The Little Book of Feelings for Children - The Little Book of Feelings for Children

What are feelings?

Feelings are little messages telling your body and brain what’s happening, you can have many different feelings. They help you understand yourself and others around you. Your feelings are created by six emotions:

  • Happy
  • Sad
  • Angry
  • Afraid
  • Surprised
  • Disgust

Understanding your feelings

Feelings can be or big or small, they can feel like a mixture of good and not so good. Some feelings come and go quickly, and others stay around a little longer, but together they make up how you feel inside. Sometimes your feelings may seem mixed up. Pick the colours that match how you feel. Colour the circle by using those colours. You might use one colour or use lots of colours.

  • Green = happy
  • Blue = sad
  • Red = angry
  • Grey = tired
  • Orange = worried
  • Yellow = loved
  • Turquoise = calm
  • Pink = excited
  • Lime green = embarrassed
  • Black = scared
  • Royal blue = confused
  • Purple = silly

Body Scan

Your body reacts to your emotions. This is your body’s way of telling you how you feel.

  • Head: Clear, Sore, Spinning, Muddled
  • Tummy: Fine, Yucky, Upset
  • Feet: Calm, Stomping, Bouncy
  • Mouth: Smiling, Dry, Sore throat
  • Hands: Still, Sweaty, Pins & Needles, Shaky

It’s important to know how you feel and be able to say how you feel… Check out the video quiz to see the types of feelings you may have! And remember it's okay to feel your feelings.

Feelings = Emotions

  • Happy = Laughing, smiling, energetic
  • Sad = Grumpy, crying, moody
  • Angry = Stressed, fighting, snappy
  • Fear = Scared, upset, worried
  • Surprise = Shocked, shaking, excited
  • Disgust = Unhappy, annoyed, yucky

Calming your feelings

Starfish Breathing Activity

Fingerholds to manage emotions

When I feel down or a little bit sad, If I hold my thumb, I don’t feel so bad. My pointing finger for when I panic, I can face my fears whether small or gigantic. When anger makes me want to explode, My middle finger is the one I hold. When I am worried about any old thing, I hold the finger which is meant for my ring. My little finger will help me see, I’m a fine person and I’m glad to be me.

Calming words when you feel worried

  • I am kind
  • I believe in me
  • I am confident
  • Everything will be ok
  • It’s ok to make mistakes
  • It’s okay not to be okay
  • I am loved
  • I am brave
  • I am safe

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Turn your frown upside down

Think about things that make you smile?

Remember that asking for help is ok

Sometimes you may have feelings that aren’t nice. If you are worried about these feelings, you can talk to your…

  • Friends
  • Parents/carers
  • Doctor
  • Coach
  • Family
  • Teacher
  • Youth worker

Learn about Feelings