How to Talk to Your Kids About Emotions

Helping Your Child Build Emotional Intelligence, One Conversation at a Time

Big feelings are part of growing up—but they can be confusing, overwhelming, and even scary for kids. As a parent, one of the most powerful tools you can give your child is the ability to understand, name, and express their emotions in a healthy way.

The good news? You don’t have to be a therapist to help your child navigate their feelings. You just need to create a safe space, ask good questions, and show them that all emotions—even the messy ones—are okay.

Here’s how to start those important conversations.

1. Name It to Tame It

Kids often feel emotions before they can explain them. Teaching them the language for what they’re feeling is a game-changer.

Try saying things like:

“It seems like you’re feeling frustrated—does that sound right?”

“Your body is moving a lot right now. Are you feeling excited?”

“You’re really quiet today. Are you feeling sad or just needing some space?”

Naming emotions helps kids feel understood and gives them the words they need to communicate what’s going on inside.

2. Model It Yourself

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. Let them see you express emotions in healthy ways.

Examples:

“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths.”

“I’m feeling a little sad today. It’s okay to have days like this.”

“I’m really proud of how I handled that situation!”

Modeling emotional expression shows your child that it’s normal—and safe—to feel.

3. Validate Their Feelings (Even If You Don’t Understand Them)

It can be tempting to say things like “You’re okay” or “That’s not a big deal.” But minimizing a child’s emotions can leave them feeling dismissed.

Instead, try:

“I can see that really upset you.”

“It makes sense that you’re feeling angry about that.”

“It’s okay to cry when you’re sad. I’m here with you.”

Validation doesn’t mean agreeing—it just means letting your child know their feelings are real and worthy of care.

4. Use Stories, Play, and Everyday Moments

Emotions don’t have to be a “serious talk.” Use books, shows, or playtime to open up conversations about feelings.

Ask things like:

“How do you think that character felt when that happened?”

“What would you do if your friend was sad like that?”

“What color would your anger be? What shape would it be?”

These creative approaches make emotional learning fun, natural, and age-appropriate.

5. Teach Tools for Managing Emotions

Once your child can name and express their emotions, help them learn what to do with those feelings.

Here are a few kid-friendly coping tools:

Deep breathing (“Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”)

Drawing or journaling

Talking to a trusted adult

Moving their body (jumping, running, dancing)

Creating a “calm down corner” with soothing items

Over time, these tools become part of their emotional toolkit—skills they’ll carry for life.

Talking to your kids about emotions isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening without judgment, and letting them know that all feelings are welcome—even the hard ones.

When kids learn that their emotions are safe to feel and express, they grow into more resilient, self-aware, and empathetic humans. And that starts with you.

You don’t need the perfect words. Just start the conversation. Your presence is the most powerful tool you have. We’re here for you and offer play therapy sessions to help your little one cope.