Emotion Identification

This particular tool is the simplest, arguably the most useful, and the most underutilized. This is true for both adults and children. 

Identifying your emotions means giving them a name... that’s it. 

How to identify emotions:

Step 1: Notice an emotion

Step 2: Name it

You don’t have to analyze it or ask deep questions about its nature. For this practice, you don’t even need to explain why you are feeling it. Just name it. 

This practice is useful for adults when we’re noticing something is a bit off. Maybe you’ve checked in with yourself and noticed that you aren’t feeling your best. Take an additional moment to name that emotion. 

For kids, it’s an excellent tool for “tantrums” or any time a child is feeling BIG feelings. If your child approaches you and they are upset, ask them to tell you how their feeling. You may be surprised by the answer. 

Even if you think you know how they are feeling, ask them anyway. 

They need to learn how to identify their emotions, and you may not always be right.