A Kid’s Guide to Expressing Feelings
Line Fleming, M.A.
How are you feeling today? This is a question we hear often. But what is the answer? Some feelings are easy to understand while others are confusing and not as easy to understand and express. We can also feel more than one feeling at a time. Previously, anger and anxious were discussed. Today, let’s discuss feeling SAD.
How does that feel? When working with kids, I often hear that they feel low energy, want to be in their room alone, and not talk to anyone. We are unique in how we understand and express feelings. An important thing to remember is that our feelings are separate from who we are, they do not define who we are. There are ways to identify what triggers our feelings. Once we know what triggers us, we can learn how to respond in a more calm and constructive way.
Follow the TIPS below when feeling SAD.
- 1. Talk with someone you trust. Talking about your feelings helps you feel better. A trusted adult or friend can also give perspective that will help you.
- 2. Do something that makes you happy. Read, play a game, draw or color.
Whatever the activity, do this for yourself. - 3. Keep your routine. A routine helps keep you calm and comforted. Knowing what will happen helps us feel calm.
- 4. Play with or groom your pet. Pets have a way of making us feel calm.Get a hug from someone who loves you.
- 5. Write about your feelings. Writing our feelings down helps us say what we are thinking and why we are feeling a certain way.
These are a few things we can do in the moment when feeling SAD. Also share your feelings with an adult or your therapist. They will support you and teach additional skills to manage feeling SAD.