Helping Little Ones Understand Their Feelings

I feel like social-emotional learning is something that everyone is talking about now, yet there are still so many kids (and grown-ups, quite frankly), that don't seem to know how to manage their feelings in healthy ways. If you agree, doesn’t it seem like the earlier we start having conversations with kids to help them understand their feelings, the better?

Here are three picture books that can help get these important conversations started:

All About Patterns: This book will resonate with kids (and adults) who thrive on routines. It opens with this engaging question: “What do you know about patterns?” From there, readers see examples of patterns all around us - pretzels, toys, water ripples, music, etc. And then we see a young girl's familiar daily patterns (or routines) thrown into chaos with the arrival of a new baby brother. Thankfully, she and her family adapt, discovering new patterns “worth repeating,” and everyone is happy again.

A final reflection asks readers to reflect: What patterns feel comforting or boring in your life? How could you change a pattern to make your days more peaceful or fun? Accompanying art and play activities encourage kids to draw, stamp and create their own patterns.

Dr. Color Monster and the Emotions Toolkit: Believe it or not, Dr. Color Monster is not scary! He’s actually a helpful doctor who helps Nuna understand some confusing emotions. Here’s the scoop: Nuna is feeling a little “off” or “weird” after agreeing to do something she didn’t want to do.

Have you ever felt this way? It can be kind of unpleasant!

Thankfully, this book shares a lot of great ways to feel better and calm, from dancing and singing to squeezing a piece of clay. Favorite suggestions of mine are coloring mandalas and taking deep breaths. What’s more, you’ll also learn about “No Syrup,” which will help anyone feeling awkward about saying no.

Sensitive: Has anyone ever labeled you or your child as “too sensitive?” If so, I’m sorry. It’s not a good feeling whatsoever to be criticized for something you might not be able to change easily. Readers of this story will learn that people often judge and say mean things when they are afraid of differences.

The girl in this book is told “Stop being so sensitive!” and “Grow thicker skin!” (which she’s not really certain how to do). Everyone’s criticism of her turns into words that wrestle inside her in a messy, overwhelming way. She takes some quiet time to rest and discovers a way to transform the hurtful things people have said into positive ones. Her sensitivity actually makes her creative and interesting.

This book includes tips for sensitive kids to find people who appreciate them for who they are, and a link to a printable online activity sheet. What does being “sensitive” mean to you?