It’s important to teach children that it’s okay to feel mad, afraid, happy, and sad. Explain to them that everyone has emotions and show them how to express them in a healthy manner. Parents can help children understand their emotions through physical expression or by talking about their feelings.
Physical Expression
Help children understand their internal feelings through physical expression. Ask your child to think of different situations where they have felt sad or happy or afraid. Then ask them to pretend they are in those situations. Have them act out how they feel. If they’re happy, they may exhibit a huge smile. If they’re sad, they may pretend to cry. If they’re afraid, they may pretend to hide. Physical expression allows you to see and recognize their outward emotions and help them express themselves when they encounter these feelings.
Talk About Your Feelings
Encourage children to talk about their feelings. Just like adults, children want to tell others what’s going on in their lives. Ask them questions like:
- Boys and girls can sometimes feel mixed up inside. Do you ever feel like that? What do you try to do when you have confusing feelings?
- Think about a time when you felt happy. What were you doing? How do you look when you’re happy? How do you feel on the inside?
- Have you ever felt ashamed or guilty? What made you feel like that?
Make sure to explain to your children that talking about feelings won’t always make things better, but sometimes it can provide some relief. Doing so lets your child know that you’re their confidante–interested in their life and there to help.