Feelings Charts Pt. 2: How to Discuss and Create with Children and Teens

If you haven't yet, go back and read my part 1 of this blog post so you can get some background information on why Feelings Charts are important for you children, your students and your clients. I even recommend doctors and nurses have them up in doctors offices. It is my opinion the more messages young people and adolescents receive their emotions are okay to express as long as they find ways to share them responsibly, the better! This leads to emotionally responsible adults who have some freedom from their trauma and past hurts because they have outlets to appropriately describe what they are experiencing!

So here I have provided you the link to two different feelings charts I have created for you. One is a basic one with emoji faces, which is best for younger kids our teens who happen to like emojis! The other I created for teens, but can translate to younger kids and preteens as well depending on their knowledge of celebrities.

NOTE: This is not meant to be followed exactly, just suggestions. You now your child, whether you are a parent, caregiver, therapist, teacher, or any other helping professional. The first part of the work is making sure you have a strong relationship with the young person. Also, you do not have to do everything in one sitting, this can be done in different times, sessions, class meetings, etc.

1. Schedule a time to sit down with your child/teen to explore feelings and talk about why they are important. (It’s important to only do this when child/teen are in a calm and equilibrium state.)

2. Use books, magazines and online pictures to help children/teens identify what the feelings they identify look like and feel like. Discussing the physical aspects are incredibly important so they understand how to connect how they are feeling at different times. Discuss scenarios of when they felt that way.

3. Help them find pictures to make their own Feelings chart, pulling from the template and adding feelings and emotions you have seen from them.

4. Discuss with them the importance of using the chart when they are having certain feelings to explain to you and other adults what they are experiencing.

5. Practice throughout the day when they are calm so they know how to do so when they are feeling upset!

As a guide here are the list of feelings to help you with your discussion (Use these definitions to talk about how each physically feels, excited , heart beating fast, smile on face, may be screaming with joy, etc.):

1. Happy - feeling of joy, pleasure, or good fortune

2. Sad - feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.

Surprised - feeling or showing surprise because something has happened that you did not expect

Click the link below to get the rest of the feelings definitions and the charts themselves.

Feelings Chart (Celebrity Edition)

Feelings Chart (Emoji Edition)

I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions, suggestions, comments and/or criticisms please provide the feedback! You can email me at prodevwithek@gmail.com!

Please note I don't have ownership of any of these pictures included in these documents as I have no intention of selling this chart! The pictures can all be found on Google, like I did! Happy Feelings Checking!