Emotions…they are such an integral part of our development and it’s truly a tricky topic to teach, there isn’t a one size fits all or a right or wrong answer when it comes to this subject! Not to mention, it’s hard as adults to fully understand the reasoning behind what these kiddos are feeling! It is especially difficult because the younger the child the BIGGER the emotion. Positive social and emotional development is SO important, when a child is able to label and understand what they are feeling it will help to boost their confidence, enhance their relationships and provide a solid foundation for learning.
Supporting social emotional skills at a young age will set kids up for success. It really is simple to incorporate these skills at home! Using communications skills to label emotions is an extremely effective way to let the kids know that we are listening and acknowledging their feelings. Trying to use phrases like “hey buddy, I see you’re upset, and it’s ok to be upset” can truly go a long way.
Establishing routines, using step by step explanations to prepare your child for what is going to come next is a great tool in preventing problems or outbursts. Playing games with your child is going to help them learn cooperation skills, taking turns and handling frustrations. One of my most favorite and effective tools to teach kiddos is through books, it’s an excellent opportunity to discuss feelings, “how do you think they feel”, “how would you feel” or “what would you do”. These are such great ways to foster and support these skills at home!
3 Social Emotional Stories
Here are three great books that are going to be excellent resources! They help teach your child about emotions in an engaging and fun way!
A Little Spot of Feelings– I love this book because it describes what emotions are, and how to label them! It teaches kids about body language, I feel statements and ways they can relax their bodies. Use this book as a talking point and you will have your own little emotion detector right at home!
The Selfish Crocodile– This is an excellent story explaining the importance of how not to be selfish. Also, it talks about how others feel when you don’t share! It emphasizes the value of being kind.
I am Human– I am Human is a showcase story on how nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes but we grow, adapt and learn to be empathetic towards one another!
Take a look and check these social emotional skill stories today! Let me know below which one was your favorite!
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