None are bad.Īnd, notice how you can have more than one emotion at a time! You could say some are strong emotions or uncomfortable but we need all our emotions. Name and notice the emotions you’re feeling– and how they come and go.ĭon’t label any emotions as good or bad. Pause to check in with yourself and your kids throughout the day. So how can you use the children’s books on this list?

Again, be careful with broad generalizations.Īs children become better able to identify emotions, they’ll improve their relationship skills as well. They would never show emotions like an emoji face. One study I read also gave the example of an award-winning actor. It might be a starting point, but it is not backed by research.

So be CAUTIOUS when you teach that happiness looks like a smiley face and anger looks like a scrunched-up face. Particularly someone from a culture different than your own. You can’t look at someone and necessarily label the emotion they are feeling correctly. (It’s a journey not a destination.)ĬAUTION: Recent research DISPROVES the theory of our facial expressions accurately express our feelings. It’s essential that we teach our kids to identify the emotions they are feeling beyond happy, sad, and mad ( emotional granularity) so they can then improve emotional regulation as well as general well-being and mental health now and in the future. They’ve identified five specific competencies for children which are the following:Įssentially, social-emotional learning starts with self-awareness and the ability to name your own emotions when you’re feeling them. Picture books about feelings can help children identify their emotions, what each emotion feels like, and understand that all feelings are okay.ĬASEL defines Social-Emotional Learning as acquiring “ the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” Use them to support your children and students as they learn about their emotions and develop emotional intelligence. Discover the best picture books for kids about emotions and feelings.

Wild feelings by david milgrim