Talking about emotions with young kids.
Naming what you feel is the first step to regulating emotions. See why it works, the most common mistake, and 5 simple paths to start today — no magic formulas.
Naming the feeling calms the brain.
When a child hears "you're angry because your brother took your toy", the rational part of the brain starts working alongside the emotional one. The intensity drops — and, over time, the child learns to do this on their own.
The most common mistake
Trying to fix before welcoming. Lines like "it's not a big deal" or "stop crying" close the door. Start with "I see that…" — then talk about what to do.
Small gestures, big bridges.
Ready to try today at home.
Name what's happening
Put a name to what you see: 'it looks like you're frustrated because the tower fell'. The word organizes the internal chaos.
Validate before correcting
Welcome first, teach later. 'It really is hard' is worth more than 'it's not a big deal'.
Use books and characters
Stories create safe distance to talk about fear, anger, jealousy and longing — without the child having to expose themselves.
Build an emotional vocabulary
Go beyond happy/sad. Introduce words like relieved, embarrassed, anxious, disappointed, proud.
Model your own feelings
Say out loud: 'I'm tired and that's why I need a minute'. Kids learn by watching, not by lectures.
12 words to introduce little by little.
Put them on the mirror, fridge or next to the toothbrush. Ask: "which one matches you right now?".
Change one line, change the conversation.
"Stop crying, it's nothing."
"I see you got sad. Want a hug?"
"You're bad!"
"That behavior hurt someone. Let's think together."
"There's no reason to be angry."
"You have the right to feel angry. Hitting is not ok — talking is."
"It's over, just forget it."
"That really was scary. I'm right here with you."
Keep exploring
More tools for the family's emotional everyday.
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