I have always said that words are pathetic tools by which to express our emotions. Music comes as close as anything to reflect our feelings. A psychiatrist colleague once told me that when she has to cry, but can't make it happen, she listens to a particular piece of classical music and it just flows out of her. Crying creates definitive physical changes...hence the phrase, "Have a good cry". There is such a thing.
What about the kids, especially the "teeny weeny jelly beanies"? How do they express themselves? Usually in loud and primitive ways. We're the ones to teach them the words that match their emotional state.
If we start early in their emotional education, we can reduce their frustration and create a bond that tells them, "You can trust me. I understand your feelings". This will serve you well over the course of your relationship. Do ya' feel me?
If we start early in their emotional education, we can reduce their frustration and create a bond that tells them, "You can trust me. I understand your feelings". This will serve you well over the course of your relationship. Do ya' feel me?
These Robot Emotions Flashcards help kids make the "connection" between facial expressions and their internal state. Facial expressions are the most frequent ways we express our emotions. These flashcards are offered in languages other than English.
The younger the child, the more difficult it is for them to express their emotions in words and for many kids through middle school, subtle emotions such as disappointment or shame, are especially difficult.
Start them out with a basic "emotional" education and you can move forward as their language skills, self-awareness and maturity allow. For your own child's needs, you may need to adopt these "emoticons" to their favorite things like dinosaurs or dogs in order to make your point. Get creative so you can truly connect with your kids.
Have fun! TTFN, Claudia
The younger the child, the more difficult it is for them to express their emotions in words and for many kids through middle school, subtle emotions such as disappointment or shame, are especially difficult.
Start them out with a basic "emotional" education and you can move forward as their language skills, self-awareness and maturity allow. For your own child's needs, you may need to adopt these "emoticons" to their favorite things like dinosaurs or dogs in order to make your point. Get creative so you can truly connect with your kids.
Have fun! TTFN, Claudia
