The ability to express feelings and needs is a fundamental skill that affects all areas of a person's life, from interpersonal relationships to mental health. In this article we will discuss this in more detail! And if your child is into computers, we look forward to seeing him at Progkids!
Why it's important to teach your child to talk about how they feel and what they want
No.1. Release from negative emotions
Children who are unable to verbalize their feelings often suppress them. This leads to the accumulation of internal tension, which can occur in the form of aggression, anxiety, depression, or somatic illnesses. The ability to say “I feel sad because...” or “I need help because...” is a powerful tool for regulating your emotional state.
#2. Developing emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to control how you feel and understand what other people are experiencing. The ability to express emotions in words helps the child become more aware of himself, his reactions and motives, as well as build stronger and healthier relationships with others.
#3. Improving communication skills
A clear and clear expression of your own needs is the key to effective communication. A child who can say “I need help”, “I don't like this” or “I want to play” avoids misunderstandings and conflicts. This helps develop dialogue and problem solving skills.
#4. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
When a child feels listened to, understood, and accepted, their self-esteem increases. He believes that his opinion is important, and this helps him feel more independent and self-confident.
How do you teach your child to talk about feelings?
No.1. Let the child speak freely
The child must feel that he can talk about his feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule.
#2. Name feelings together
Help your child identify their feelings by using simple words: “Are you upset?” , “Are you angry?” , “Are you happy?”.
#3. Listen and confirm
Show your child that you can hear and understand him. Validate his feelings, for example, “I understand you're upset.”
#4. Become a model
Show your child by example how to talk about their feelings.
#5. Read useful books
There are many children's books that can help children learn to express their feelings.
#6. Play role-playing games
Games are not only a way to spend time, but also a useful tool for a child's development. Through role-playing games, he can easily learn to express feelings and talk about his needs.
Useful books that teach children to recognize feelings
Elena Ulyeva “What do you feel?”
Helping a child cope with their emotions is an important task. And the first step is to teach him how he feels. Anger, sadness, jealousy, resentment, joy, hope... the world of emotions is diverse! The therapeutic stories collected in this book will help the child live in different situations and seek solutions to problems together with the heroes of fairy tales.
Tyulin Kozikoglu “The Capricious Cat Mina”
Nine animals live in Leyla's grandmother's house with very different characters: lazy, jealous, shy, etc. The hardest thing to talk to is Mina, the cat who is always naughty and crying! No one can calm her down... until one day Mina does something unexpected: she drinks water from the aquarium along with Lenny's fish! This story is a fun adventure that will show your child that whims do not help attract attention, and many simple things are easy to do on their own.
Cedric Ramadier “My book is angry”
This wonderful book helps you understand the nature of anger and learn how to express it correctly. A funny mouse, vivid illustrations and an interactive format make reading a fun game. The child is looking for a way out of a difficult situation together with the main character.
This story is part of a series of books about emotions that includes “My Book Fell in Love”, “My Book Is Scared”, and “My Book Wants to Sleep”.
Teaching a child to talk about their feelings and needs is an investment in their future. Do you also want your child to get a popular profession? Write it down to free trial lesson at Progkids!
