Seek First to Understand then to be Understood

“Emotion can be the enemy, if you give into your emotion, you lose yourself. You must be at one with your emotions, because the body always follows the mind”

— Bruce Lee

So, feelings huh…

In the crazy maze of life, our emotions are like our inner GPS, guiding us through all the ups and downs.

But let's face it, understanding and dealing with those feelings can be like trying to catch a butterfly with your bare hands—pretty tricky, especially for kids who are still figuring it all out. That's why it's super important to help them get a handle on their emotions from a young age.

Imagine a world where kids know exactly what they're feeling and can talk about it like pros, no sweat. Well, just like academic intelligence, emotional intelligence can be developed with a little help from you and through tools like our Feelings Journal.

A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. Name it to Tame it! When kids recognize what they're feeling and can name their emotions they can self-regulate much more quickly.

Whether it's happiness, sadness, anger, or fear, each emotion teaches us something important. By paying attention to, naming, and accepting these feelings, kids start a journey of self-discovery that sets them up for a healthy relationship with their emotions.

But it's not just about understanding feelings;

2. Understanding the brain

We all make mistakes and overreact when we are stressed, but a lot of the seemingly overwhelming aspects of parenting and children's behavior are more within your sphere of influence than you might think. It means occasionally shifting your focus away from your children and onto yourself, and taking an honest look at your own behavior, meaning accepting that you cannot ultimately control how your children think and feel, and thus what they decide.

That’s why the Brain in the Palm of Your Hand by Daniel Siegel is a fantastic resource that breaks down how our brains work, especially during tough times (watch here for an explanation). When kids understand that their brain reacts to situations and emotions, they can learn strategies to cope better, making them more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever life throws their way.

3. Positive Time-out space

We all need a little break to cool down and collect our thoughts. That's why having a positive time-out space can be so helpful for you and your kids.

It is designed to help children feel better so they can do better. It’s a highly effective tool for children and parents alike to learn self-regulation, manage conflict and over time will likely lead to fewer struggles.

Whether it's a cozy corner with some pillows and blankets or a spot outside in nature, having a designated space where kids can take a breather and regroup can make a world of difference. Check our free guide in managing big emotions and share it with your friends!

4. It's about knowing how to deal with them too.

Think of it like being a pro surfer riding the waves. Our journal and flashcards helps kids learn to use their emotions to grow and express themselves better. Whether it's turning anger into positive action or finding peace in tough times, our feelings tools helps kids see their emotions as friends, not enemies.

The Feelings Journal that we created isn't just boring worksheets; it's like a sidekick for the journey of life. With 30 carefully chosen emotions and feelings and 15 additional blank pages to choose their own, each page is an invitation to dive deeper. Through fun prompts and activities, kids can dive into their emotions, uncovering all that’s going on inside.

In a world where the significance of emotional intelligence is often overshadowed by academic achievements, it's easy to underestimate the importance of comprehending one's feelings. Yet, the ripple effects of emotional mastery extend far beyond the individual—it lays the groundwork for healthier relationships, resilient communities, and a more empathetic society.

So let's get started on this journey together! By helping kids learn to handle their emotions today, we're setting them up for a brighter, happier tomorrow. Let's make a world where feelings aren't scary but are celebrated as part of what makes us all awesome.