METHODS OF EMOTIONS

Young children deal with many of the same emotions adults do.

And, they act out these emotions in very physical and inappropriate ways.

The following strategies or methods to identify child's emotions:

1. Explain the feeling by using words your child can easily understand.

2. Teach your child the different ways we can deal with feelings. Talk about positive and not so positive ways to express feelings.

There are many strategies you can use to teach new ways to appropriately express feelings:

• Use real-life examples or teach in the moment.
• Teach you child new ways to respond to feelings by discussing common situations that your child might remember or that happen frequently.
• You can use children’s books to talk about feelings.
• Keep it simple, use visuals or pictures to help get your point across, and always try to relate your lesson back to something that happens in your child’s life.
• Teach your child new strategies to use when feeling emotions that may be expressed inappropriately (e.g., anger, frustration, sadness).

3. Praise your child the first time he tries to talk about his feelings instead of just reacting.

4. Support your child to talk about feelings and practice her new strategies for expressing emotions appropriately every chance you get.

WARNING –
Do not try and practice when your child is in the middle of a “meltdown.” Use quiet, calm times to teach and practice the new strategies.

Learning to identify and express emotions in a positive and healthy way helps young children build a strong foundation of success later in life.