Helping Children by Putting Feelings or Emotions into Words

This week, we will focus on the importance of helping children express their emotions through words. By labeling emotions, we can reduce disruptive behavior and strengthen communication. The goal is to help children understand and manage their feelings better.

​

Task 1: Reflecting on Emotional Triggers

​

1. Think of a recent moment when your child was upset or acting out.

What was your initial reaction, and how did you handle the situation?

​

**2. How do you think your child was feeling during this moment? Could they express those feelings clearly?

​

Task 2: Naming the Emotion

​

1. The next time your child is upset, try labeling the emotion they are feeling (e.g., “You seem frustrated” or “Are you feeling lonely?”).

How did your child respond to hearing their feelings put into words?

​

**2. How did naming the emotion change your child’s behavior or calm them down?

​

Task 3: Helping Your Child Ask for What They Need

​

1. Reflect on a situation where your child’s behavior might have been an attempt to seek attention.

How can you help them ask for attention directly, rather than acting out (e.g., “Can you ask me for a hug when you feel lonely?”)?

​

**2. How can you model positive behavior by encouraging your child to express their feelings instead of engaging in disruptive actions?

​

Final Reflection

​

 1. How has labeling your child’s emotions helped you manage their behavior more effectively? 

​

**2. What have you learned about your child’s emotional needs through this process?

​

Progress Tracker

​

Use this section to track your progress in helping your child express their emotions and reduce disruptive behavior.

​

Quantitative Tracking

​

1. How often did you label your child’s emotions this week?

On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):

( ) 1

( ) 2

( ) 3

( ) 4

( ) 5

​

2. How often did you successfully help your child ask for what they needed instead of acting out?

On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):

( ) 1

( ) 2

( ) 3

( ) 4

( ) 5

​

3. How confident do you feel about helping your child put their emotions into words?

On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):

( ) 1

( ) 2

( ) 3

( ) 4

( ) 5

​

Qualitative Tracking

​

1. What was the most important insight you gained from helping your child express their emotions this week?

​

**2. How did focusing on their emotional needs affect their behavior and your relationship with them?

​