Feelings List: A Guide to Understanding Emotions

Understanding one’s emotions is critical to a child’s developmental years. Children can navigate their emotions by creating a feelings list and labeling what they’re experiencing. This simple tool can improve their emotional intelligence and communication and equip them with effective coping mechanisms.

Here, we provide a comprehensive list of emotions and feelings your child can use to gain a clearer understanding of their emotional responses. 

Feelings List

Below is a comprehensive list of feelings you can explore with your child to understand certain responses and experiences.

Accepting/Open

Being open and accepting encourages children to explore new things with positive curiosity and excitement. They can gain new perspectives with an open heart and mind.

• Calm: Not demonstrating loneliness and fear, or the absence of confrontational activity.
• Centered: Well-balanced, confident, and tranquil.
• Content: In a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction with the situation.
• Fulfilled: A sense of happiness or satisfaction because of improving one’s character.
• Patient: Able to tolerate delays and problems without annoyance or anxiety.
• Peaceful: Free from disturbance or violent feelings.
• Present: Being focused on what is happening and feeling free of distractions.
• Relaxed: Being at ease or free of tension and stress.
• Serene: Fully untroubled, calm, and at peace.
• Trusting: Demonstrating belief in another person’s honesty without feeling suspicious of their motives.

Angry/Annoyed

At times, children may feel angry or annoyed at unwanted outcomes. These feelings signal the need for positive change, especially because anger can hinder a child’s emotional development and self-esteem [*].

• Agitated: Troubled and nervous to the point of negative emotional and physical responses.
• Aggravated: Displeasure or anger resulting from minor inconveniences or annoyances.
• Bitter: Angry, hurt, and resentful because of unjust treatment.
• Contempt: Considering something beneath one’s effort or feeling like something is not worth the trouble.
• Cynical: Believing people are only motivated by self-interested or questionable values that are insincere.
• Disdain: Believing someone or something isn’t worth consideration or respect.
• Disgruntled: Angry or dissatisfied because of unjust treatment or a bad outcome.
• Disturbed: Anxious, mentally interrupted, or emotionally unsettled.
• Edgy: Tense, nervous, and irritable—occasionally defensive.
• Exasperated: Intense irritation and frustration to the point of potentially injudicious action.
• Frustrated: Expressing distress or annoyance because of an inability to change a specific outcome.
• Furious: Full of violent or intense anger.
• Grouchy: Bad-tempered or easily annoyed and irritated.
• Hostile: Significant unfriendliness and antagonism.
• Impatient: A tendency to be easily irritated or provoked by delays or mishaps.
• Irritated: Showing slight anger or annoyance.
• Irate: Being characterized by significant and constant anger.
• Moody: Demonstrating unpredictable moods, especially sudden bouts of feeling down.
• On edge: Feeling constantly tense, nervous, and irritable.
• Outraged: Arousing fear, anger, and shock.
• Pissed: Annoyed and fed up.
• Upset: The state of being unhappy or disappointed.
• Vindictive: Demonstrating a strong desire for revenge.

Connected/Loving

Feelings of love and connection stem from early parent-child relationships. Making your child feel this way can help them develop a caring attitude toward themselves and others.

• Accepting: To regard something favorably or with approval.
• Affectionate: Expressing fondness and tenderness for something or someone.
• Caring: Displaying kindness and concern.
• Compassion: Feeling sympathetic for others experiencing misfortune or suffering.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and experience what others feel.
• Safe: Feeling protected from danger or harm.
• Warm: Expressing affection, enthusiasm, and kindness.
• Worthy: Demonstrating qualities meriting recognition and praise.

Disconnected/Numb

Feeling disconnected and numb can cause children to withdraw. It’s important to understand these feelings as a potential defense mechanism.

• Aloof: Unfriendly, uninvolved, calm, and distant.
• Bored: Understimulated because of feeling unoccupied.
• Confused: Unable to think clearly about something and showing bewilderment.
• Distant: Removed and unintimate.
• Empty: Lacking sincerity or feeling like having no purpose or value.
• Indifferent: Having no particular interest in something and feeling unconcerned.
• Isolated: Feeling left out or alone on purpose.
• Lethargic: Sluggish and apathetic.
• Listless: Lacking energy, enthusiasm, and motivation.
• Removed: Distant or emotionally “far” from something.
• Resistant: Being impervious to something (in particular, change).
• Shut Down: Detached from one’s emotion and losing the desire for involvement.
• Uneasy: Anxious or uncomfortable.
• Withdrawn: Feeling unable to communicate or be with others socially.
  

Fragile

Moments of vulnerability can make a child feel scared and fragile. They may feel their emotional resilience being tested by tough times.

• Helpless: Unable to defend or help oneself without external intervention.
• Sensitive: Quick to react to slight changes or disturbances.
  

Stressed/Tense

Stress and tension happen to everyone, but too much stress can have physical and mental consequences like burnout and fatigue [*]. Children can learn to cope when they understand why they feel this way.

• Anxious: Worried and uneasy in anticipation of something.
• Burn Out: Exhaustion due to overwork or being emotionally overwhelmed.
• Cranky: Being ill-tempered and irritable.
• Depleted: Out of emotional resources and unable to function.
• Exhausted: Completely drained of one’s mental and emotional resources.
• Frazzled: Nervous and worried because of exhaustion and stress.
• Overwhelm: Overpowered and unable to exert effort because of intense emotions.
• Rattled: Quickly becoming nervous and anxious because of a stressor.
• Rejecting: Dismissive of something one perceives as inadequate.
• Restless: Unable to settle down or relax because of anxiety or boredom.
• Shaken: Being able to hold one’s composure or feel at ease.
• Tight: Uncomfortable and developing physical pressure due to stress.
• Weary: Showing tiredness because of over-exertion.
• Worn Out: Exhausted to the point of unproductiveness.
  

Aliveness/Joy

New, positive experiences can make a child feel alive and joyous. It’s uplifting and can make them feel full of possibility.

• Amazed: Surprised and astonished by something.
• Awe: Perceiving something with wonder and inspiration.
• Bliss: Perfect happiness and extreme joy resulting from being oblivious to stressors.
• Delighted: Feeling or showing extreme pleasure.
• Eager: Being willing to do something with extreme enthusiasm.
• Ecstatic: Feeling overwhelmingly happy or excited.
• Enchanted: Being charmed or filled with delight.
• Energized: With lots of vitality and enthusiasm.
• Engaged: Feeling involved and stimulated by something.
• Enthusiastic: Showing intense eagerness to participate.
• Excited: Demonstrating high energy or eagerness for something.
• Free: Having no hesitation, inhibitions, or shyness.
• Happy: Showing pleasure and contentment.
• Inspired: Feeling the impulse to create or achieve something.
• Invigorated: Having the strength or energy to do something.
• Lively: Energetic, active, and outgoing.
• Passionate: Showing strong feelings or a strong belief in something.
• Playful: Lighthearted and positively amused.
• Radiant: Intense, conspicuous, and emanating powerfully.
• Refreshed: Rested and having regained strength.
• Rejuvenated: Having been given new energy or feeling revitalized.
• Renewed: Feeling revived or fresh with life.
• Satisfied: Contented and pleased with oneself.
• Thrilled: Extremely pleased and excited.
• Vibrant: Being full of energy and enthusiasm.

Courageous/Powerful

Courage and power can help a child develop strength from within. They may feel motivated to grow and learn.

• Adventurous: The desire to explore new things, activities, and ideas.
• Brave: Ready to endure something potentially frightening or thrilling.
• Capable: Fit and able to achieve something.
• Confident: Feeling self-assured and believing oneself can succeed.
• Daring: Feeling bold, adventurous, and nervy.
• Determined: Being firm in one’s desire to achieve something.
• Grounded: Mentally and emotionally stable and capable.
  
• Proud: Pleasure and joy as a result of one’s achievements.
  
• Strong: Able to withstand pressure and setbacks.
  
• Worthy: Demonstrating qualities with merit.
  
• Valiant: Showing courage or determination.
  

Curious

Curious kids feel motivated to learn and explore. Nurturing curiosity can pique their interests and make them want to expand their horizons.

• Exploring: Being curious about something unfamiliar or new.
  
• Brave: Courage to explore the unknown.
  
• Fascinated: Extremely interested in something or someone.
  
• Interested: Wanting to learn more or be involved with something.
  
• Intrigued: Aroused curiosity or a fascination with something.
  
• Involved: Feeling engaged in something.
  
• Stimulated: Interested and encouraged.
  

Despair/Sad

Feelings of sadness and despair can sometimes be unbearably heavy. Understanding why these emotions occur can inspire a child to take steps toward healing.

• Anguish: Severe mental pain and suffering.
  
• Depressed: In a constant state of general unhappiness or despondency.
  
• Despondent: Without hope or in low spirit.
  
• Disappointed: Feeling sad or displeased because of a failure.
  
• Discouraged: Losing confidence or enthusiasm over something.
  
• Forlorn: Pitifully sad or lost.
  
• Gloomy: Distressed, negative, and pessimistic.
  
• Grief: Deep sorrow resulting from loss or death.
  
• Heartbroken: Suffering from being extremely upset or overwhelmingly distressed.
  
• Hopeless: Feeling inadequate and incompetent, causing despair.
  
• Lonely: Sadness from feeling alone or without company.
  
• Longing: A strong desire for something usually unattainable.
  
• Melancholy: Pensive sadness without an apparent cause.
  
• Sorrow: Distressed, disappointed, and lost because of a misfortune.
  
• Teary: Full of tears.
  
• Unhappy: Not satisfied or pleased.
  
• Weary: Tiredness due to excessive exertion.
  
• Yearning: An intense longing for something.
  

Embarrassed/Shame

Sometimes, a child may feel they’ve failed, whether in school or as a friend. Understanding these emotions can encourage personal growth.

• Ashamed: Embarrassed or guilty because of a regretful action.
  
• Humiliated: Ashamed and foolish because of injured dignity.
  
• Inhibited: Unable to be relaxed because of self-consciousness.
  
• Mortified: To be subdued by self-denial or discipline. 
  
• Self-conscious: Unduly aware of one’s self, actions, and appearance.
  
• Useless: Not fulfilling needs or desired outcomes.
  
• Weak: Lacking in power and influence. 
  
• Worthless: Having no use or value.
  

Fear

Fear is the body’s way of protecting itself. Becoming familiar with fearful emotions can make a child feel more comfortable asking for help.

• Afraid: Heightened fear or anxiety.
  
• Anxious: Persistent, often irrational anticipation of danger.
  
• Apprehensive: Fearing that something terrible is going to happen.
  
• Frightened: Thrown into a fright or terrified.
  
• Hesitant: Tentative or unsure about one’s actions.
  
• Nervous: Agitated or alarmed due to anticipation.
  
• Panic: Sudden uncontrollable fear and wild thoughts.
  
• Paralyzed: Emotionally incapable or frozen.
  
• Scared: Fearful or nervous.
  
• Terrified: Extremely afraid.
  
• Worried: Troubled by potential problems.
  

Grateful

Being grateful for the good things that happen brings a joyous sense of meaning into a child’s life. When a child expresses gratitude, they have higher self-esteem and can build healthier, longer-lasting relationships [*].

• Appreciative: Grateful and demonstrating pleasure.
  
• Blessed: Happily favored or fortunate.
  
• Fortunate: Favored by or having good luck.
  
• Grace: Honored by a certain presence or ability to be part of something.
  
• Humbled: To feel less proud or dignified due to a great honor.
  
• Lucky: To be blessed with desirable things and experiences.
  
• Moved: To change in state or opinion or feel positively provoked.
  
• Thankful: Pleased and relieved.
  
• Touched: Grateful and sympathetic.
  

Guilt

When a child does something they regret, they may feel guilt. Guilt can be a powerful motivator for making amends and learning from mistakes.

• Regret: To feel repentant or disappointed over something.
  
• Remorseful: Strong feelings of sadness and regret about an action.
  
• Sorry: Regretful and pertinent.
  

Hopeful

Hope drives us forward, even when the circumstances feel challenging or impossible.

• Encouraged: Stimulated and motivated to achieve something.
  
• Expectant: Excited about something that is going to happen.
  
• Optimistic: Believing the best possible thing will happen.
  
• Trusting: Belief in others and the future.
  

Powerless

When external factors make bad things happen, we can feel powerless. However, understanding these emotions can be a helpful reminder to focus on what we can control.

• Impotent: Unable to be helpful and effective.
  
• Incapable: Not knowing how to do or achieve something.
  
• Resigned: Accepting something unpleasant and understanding there is nothing to do about it.
  
• Trapped: Lacking freedom in an uncomfortable situation.
  
• Victim: Singled out and subjected to unjust treatment.
  

Tender

Tenderness evokes a deep sensitivity to others. It helps children become more empathetic and compassionate.

• Calm: Peaceful serenity and a sense of comfort from within.
  
• Caring: Emotional investment in others’ well-being and mental health.
  
• Loving: Feeling great care and deep affection.
  
• Reflective: Characterized by deep thought and positive rumination.
  
• Self-loving: High regard for one’s self and well-being.
  
• Serene: State of inner peace and tranquility.
  
• Vulnerable: Susceptible to reacting to a physical or emotional attack or discomfort.
  
• Warm: Inner comfort and kindness deepening emotional connections with others.
  

Unsettled/Doubt

Being unsettled can make children feel fearful and uncertain. They may question their choices.

• Apprehensive: Unease or worry arising from uncertain outcomes.
  
• Concerned: Worried about something.
  
• Dissatisfied: Discontent or unhappy about something.
  
• Disturbed: Heightened sense of discomfort and an inability to make sense of unsettling thoughts: 
  
• Inhibited: Feeling restrained due to fear of negative outcomes. 
  
• Perplexed: Extremely puzzled and baffled.
  
• Questioning: Showing an interest in seeking new information. 
  
• Rejecting: Emotional pain and discomfort from feelings of being excluded.
  
• Reluctant: Unwilling or disinclined to try something.
  
• Skeptical: Having doubts about something or feeling unconvinced.
  
• Suspicious: Showing a cautious distrust for something or someone.
  
• Ungrounded: Lack of a sound basis of belief or actions. 
  
• Unsure: Not feeling confident in something.
  

The Bottom Line

Being in tune with one’s feelings can help individuals face uncertainties and new experiences with an open mind.

The sooner you expand your child’s feelings vocabulary, the better equipped they'll be to communicate their feelings. Encourage your child to express themselves with our collection of feelings worksheets.

Sources:

1. Dollar JM, Calkins SD. “The Development of Anger.” Springer eBooks, 2019.
2. Gianaros PJ, Wager TD. “Brain-Body Pathways Linking Psychological Stress and Physical Health.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2015.
   
3. Wood AM, Froh JJ, Geraghty AWA. “Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration.” Clinical Psychology Review, 2010.