Here is a great activity to help children talk about their emotions. It will help to open up communication and help children properly identify feelings, in addition to better communicating what they need from you as their parent/guardian.
Supplies needed:
String or yarn
A stick or wooden spoon
A magnet
Paper
Staples
Markers or a writing tool
Instructions:
1. On small pieces of cut out paper, write out words for emotions.
(eg. Angry, sad, happy, confused, silly, frustrated, loved, tired, shy, lonely, comfortable, excited, hungy, energetic, playful, needs some attention, needs some time alone, Needs a hug, etc.)
2. Leave space on the papers for a drawing. For younger kids you can draw the emotion for them (a happy or sad face). For older kids, have them draw a picture of what that emotion looks like to them. Then punch a staple on each piece of paper and put them all in a bowl.
3. Tie string to one end of your stick and attach a magnet to the other end to create a fishing pole.
4. Have your child fish in the bowl for an emotion. Have them tell you about whichever one gets stuck to their fishing pole. Ask them to tell you about a time that they’ve felt that particular feeling. If they cannot differentiate sadness from anger, help them with an example or tell them about a time you have felt that emotion. Depending on your child’s interest, you can start slow and just fish for a few emotions at a time. You can always save the bowl for other days and work away at it bit by bit.
*Don’t forget to thank them for “helping you understand” all of their emotions and acknowledge that it was fun playing with them!
