How a feelings wheel can help prevent meltdowns in kids

Feelings are tough for adults to manage, so it's no surprise that kids may need extra guidance during especially emotional times. It takes time to develop emotional awareness and the skills to fully communicate their needs. One tool that's gained popularity among parents and educators for fostering emotional awareness is the feelings wheel.

This simple yet powerful tool can significantly enhance how kids recognize and respond to their emotions. Let's dive into what the feelings wheel is, how it works, and if it might be helpful for your family.

What is a feelings wheel?

The feelings wheel is a visual aid designed to help people identify and articulate their emotions. It typically features a core set of basic emotions, such as happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, and disgusted, from which more nuanced feelings branch out.

For instance, 'angry' might relate to feelings like 'irritated,' 'enraged,' or 'resentful.' The wheel helps people pinpoint their emotions more precisely, providing a clearer understanding of what they're experiencing.

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How does a feelings wheel work?

Using the feelings wheel is straightforward. When a child (or even an adult) feels overwhelmed or confused by their emotions, they can refer to the wheel to help articulate what they're feeling. Identifying the primary emotion first and then narrowing it down to more specific feelings can help a person better understand their emotional state.

This process not only aids in emotional identification but also emotional literacy, teaching names for various emotions and how they relate to one another.

How can a feelings wheel help parents?

Emotional intelligence is crucial for healthy development, and a feelings wheel can be a valuable resource for teaching this skill. Here are several reasons why parents may find a feelings wheel beneficial:

• Enhances communication: It provides kids with the language to identify and express their emotions more accurately and clearly, which may lead to more effective communication between parent and child.

• Promotes self-awareness: By regularly identifying their emotions, kids become more aware of their feelings and why they might be experiencing them.

• Aids in emotional regulation: Recognizing emotions is the first step in learning how to manage them more effectively. The feelings wheel can be a starting point for discussions on coping strategies and emotional regulation.

Benefits of using the feelings wheel

Parents can use the feelings wheel in various ways to support their child's emotional growth:

• During conflict resolution: It can be a useful tool to de-escalate conflicts by helping kids express what they're feeling and why.

• In daily check-ins: Make it a routine to discuss emotions, encouraging kids to use the wheel to talk about their day.

• As a learning tool: Use it to expand vocabulary around emotions and discuss different feelings, what causes them, and appropriate responses.

Related tools

For parents interested in further supporting their child's emotional development, consider exploring related tools such as emotion flashcards, children's books about feelings, or apps designed to teach emotional intelligence through interactive activities.

How to make a feelings wheel step-by-step

You can easily create a feelings wheel at home by following these simple steps:

1. Start with a large circle: You can use a paper plate or draw a big circle on a piece of paper.

2. Divide the circle into segments: Using different colors, divide the circle into six to eight sections, leaving enough room in each segment to write words.

3. Fill in the core emotions: In each segment, write a primary emotion such as happy, sad, angry, or scared.

4. Add branching emotions: From each primary emotion, draw lines outward and write more nuanced feelings that stem from it.

5. Customize for your child: You may want to personalize the wheel by adding specific emotions or experiences that resonate with your child.

6. Make it interactive: Encourage your child to use the wheel whenever they need help identifying their emotions, and have them add new feelings as they discover them.

Lists of emotions to use

When you make your feelings wheel, consider starting with a set of primary emotions. Here’s an example of some feelings you might use:

Primary Emotions: happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised, disgusted

• Happy: joyful, content, peaceful, excited, grateful, loved, proud

• Sad: disappointed, lonely, heartbroken, left out, sorry

• Angry: annoyed, frustrated, furious, jealous, tricked, mad, betrayed, stressed, overstimulated

• Scared: anxious, nervous, terrified, worried, guilty, oh no, shy, apprehensive, unsure

• Surprised: shocked, bewildered, unprepared, speechless, wow, embarrassed

• Disgusted: repulsed, nauseated, revolted, ashamed, yucky, don't want  

By regularly using and updating the feelings wheel, parents can help their kids better understand and express their emotions, leading to healthier emotional development and stronger relationships within the family. So why not give it a try and see how the feelings wheel can benefit your family's emotional well-being? 

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.