We Have Feelings: October’s Character Essential at Kiddie Academy of Gainesville

We Have Feelings: Helping Children Understand Their Emotions

One minute your child is excited and laughing, and the next, they are upset because a friend has a toy they want. These moments are a familiar part of childhood. Children experience many of the same feelings we do, but they are still learning how to explain them and what to do when those feelings get big. This October, our Character Essentials focus at Kiddie Academy of Gainesville is “We Have Feelings.” We are helping children recognize their emotions, find words to express themselves, and understand that other people have feelings, too.

Giving Children Words for Their Feelings

Learning to say “I’m frustrated” or “I feel sad” takes practice. Sometimes children show us how they feel through tears, yelling, or pulling away because they do not yet have the words. We can help by naming what we notice: “You look disappointed that playtime is over” or “You seem excited to see your friend.” These simple conversations help children connect a feeling with a word they can use next time. Books, pretend play, and everyday classroom conversations also give us opportunities to talk about emotions. Asking “How do you think that character feels?” helps children consider someone else’s experience.

All Feelings Are Okay

We want children to know they can tell us when they are angry, worried, or upset. They do not need to feel happy all the time, and neither do we! At the same time, we help them understand that their actions matter. It is okay to feel angry, but hitting hurts. It is okay to feel frustrated, and we can ask for help or take a break. A calm reminder can be simple: “I know you’re upset. I won’t let you hit. Let’s find a way to tell your friend what you need.” These skills take time. Children need patient reminders and opportunities to try again.

Practicing at Home

Families can build on these conversations during everyday routines:Ask about feelings. Instead of only asking, “How was your day?” try, “What made you happy today?” or “Was anything frustrating?” Share your own examples. “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take a breath before I try again.” Offer a little support. Some children need a hug, some need quiet time, and others need help putting their feelings into words.

Notice kindness. “You checked on your sister when she was crying. That was thoughtful.”

Talk after the difficult moment. Once your child is calm, help them think about what they could do next time.

There is no perfect response for every situation. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is stay close, listen, and give a child time.

Growing Together at Kiddie Academy of Gainesville

Social and emotional learning is an important part of early childhood education. Learning to express feelings, ask for help, and care about others helps children build friendships and feel more comfortable in their classroom. At Kiddie Academy of Gainesville, Virginia, we look for opportunities to practice these skills throughout the day—while sharing materials, working through disagreements, welcoming a friend, or trying something new.

We look forward to partnering with our families this month as we help children understand their feelings and show care for the people around them. If your child shares something they have learned about feelings at home, we would love to hear about it!