Everyone has to learn to deal with difficult feelings. Big emotions are something kids feel and express, but need to learn how to put into words as they grow older. Sometimes they don’t even understand how they are feeling or why they are feeling a certain way. These picture books are perfect to get your kids thinking about all the different feelings they have, when and why they have them. As well as how to recognize when big feelings are coming on and how to calm down in those situations.
If your child has difficulty understanding his emotions, reading these books together will help him feel validated and not alone in his confusion. Big emotions can be hard to control, overwhelming, and confusing. A child should not be shamed for having these emotions and showing them. Even anger is an emotion we all have and there is a time and place for it, like anything else. I encourage you to have extra patience and try to understand why your child is reacting the way he is, before you yourself react.
Little ones shouldn’t be expected to automatically have control of their feelings and responses, but as they grow, can learn coping skills and recognize how and why they have these emotions. Enjoy these books together and I hope they help you grow closer with your child and for both you and your child to be more understanding of his body and mind.
Some related activities featured in these posts:
- Appreciating Poetry for Young Kids, Rainy Day Poems
- End the Bedtime Struggle
- Homeschooling Through Stressful Times
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Make some extra time to read with your kids this week.
Our Favorite Books about Feelings
Great books for kids to learn about feelings:
There are No Animals in this Book! (Only Feelings)
The Color Monster
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck
Books for kids who need a little more help dealing with feelings or recognizing them and learning self regulation:
Feeling Better, A Kid’s Book About Therapy
Listening to My Body
Fun books for the bigger kid when they are having a bad day, feeling upset or cranky. All kids can relate to these two classics!
Where the Wild Things Are
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
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