The mood chart: talking about emotions with children
Between silent tantrums, overflowing joy, or wordless frustration, children's daily lives are an emotional rollercoaster.
What if we helped them put words to what they feel? Use a mood chart every day.
It's a fun and easy-to-use tool to help little ones manage their emotions.
why use a mood chart with children?
Managing emotions isn't learned overnight — it's even a real challenge for children. So, a mood chart allows them to express what they feel, to open up dialogue, but also to create a reassuring ritual, at the end of the day for example. It's a tool that helps little ones understand themselves, and to make themselves better understood.
a mood chart to print, pretty and practical
step 1: download the mood chart
This printable chart has simple drawings representing emotions (joy, sadness, anger, tiredness…) so that children can identify the different moods they may feel throughout the day. A small arrow comes with the chart, so children can place the arrow on their current emotion.
step 2: print, prepare, stick
Once downloaded, print it out and laminate it for daily and lasting use. You can also cut out the arrow and laminate it. To stick the arrow, a small piece of putty should do the trick.
step 3: set up an emotion ritual
You can place the chart at child height in their room for example and set up a little daily moment for your little one to share their mood with you. In the evening after a day, it's the perfect moment to reflect, and it's a great way to gently open up the conversation and avoid stress at school.
and there you have it, you now have in hand a simple and reassuring tool to help your children navigate the whirlwind of emotions.
the phrases your little ones say
"Mummy, my clothes are all freaked out" (crumpled) - Léonie, 4 years old
"My brain is in applesauce" - Lilian, 4 years old
"I have a wolf in my throat" - Léo, 3 years old
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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