A child's understanding of emotions may start with happy, sad, or angry. However, their curiosity may lead them to explore and experience a wider range of emotions. Fortunately, resources like dictionaries, feelings lists, and interactive feelings charts can help them learn and name more complex emotions.
The Feelings List for Kids is a handy guide that provides different words to describe different emotions, which allows clients to name their feelings more accurately. It includes two sections: the top part lists six basic emotions, while the bottom part expands on them with more detailed positive, negative, and anxious emotions related to the main feelings.
Children and teens using this handout will become better at understanding their feelings, their meanings, and expressing them clearly in words. For instance, instead of just saying "happy," kids can choose from words like content, cheerful, proud, and hopeful.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of feelings worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Conte, E., Ornaghi, V., Grazzani, I., Pepe, A., & Cavioni, V. (2019). Emotion knowledge, theory of mind, and language in young children: Testing a comprehensive conceptual model. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02144
- Laugen, N. J., Kårstad, S. B., Reinfjell, T., & Wichstrøm, L. (2024). The development of emotion understanding in children: The importance of parents, teachers, and peers. Developmental Psychology, 60(2), 255-264. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001627
- Nook, E. C. (2021). Emotion differentiation and youth mental health: Current understanding and open questions. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.700298
- Zupan, B., & Eskritt, M. (2023). Facial and vocal emotion recognition in adolescence: A systematic review. Adolescent Research Review, 9(2), 253-277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-023-00219-7
