Reading stories is a great way to encourage children to express their feelings. Choose a book that has characters experiencing a range of emotions. After reading, take some time to discuss the characters' feelings and relate them to your child's own experiences.
For instance, if the story features a character who feels left out, ask your child if they've ever felt that way. Encourage them to share their thoughts by saying something like, "Can you remember a time when you felt similar? How did that make you feel?" This approach helps them connect emotionally with the story and themselves.
Notes: Tailor the book selection to your child's interests or current experiences. You can also encourage them to create their own stories or endings, expressing what they would feel or do in similar situations.
Meal times can be a perfect opportunity for family bonding and emotional check-ins. Make it a tradition to ask each family member how their day went and encourage them to express their feelings about it.
For example, you might start by saying, "Today, I felt really happy when I finished my project at work. What about you?" This sets a positive tone and encourages your children to share their own experiences. If they mention feeling upset about something, ask follow-up questions to help them explore those feelings further.
Notes: Keep the atmosphere light and non-judgmental. You can introduce a fun element by using a 'feelings ball'—a soft ball with different emotions written on it. Whoever catches the ball shares a feeling that corresponds to what’s written on it.