A Feelings Habit
“The quality of your life depends on the quality of your habits.”
James Clear
A Feelings Habit
When I read Atomic Habits, the message was something that eased my ever present anxiety. As a chronic worrier the idea of focusing on small consistent changes rather than a big overwhelming picture, was comforting. If I can just focus on taking the step in front of me, I can do hard things.
A feelings habit can be a small act that a child or adult can insert into a day without a big fanfare. While sitting at breakfast a quick, how am I feeling coupled with a deep breath can help me connect with myself before the days chaos takes flight. A day in the classroom, can start with a moment for kids to close their eyes while answering this simple questions, “How am I feeling?”
Why feelings?
When kids learn to acknowledge their feelings, it helps them to connect with who they are and deepens self-awareness. This awareness is the first step in managing their emotions effectively when they need to most. Developing a healthy relationship with their feelings lets them know that having feelings is just normal. Anger and sadness, joy, grief are all modes of expression that kids should feel safe to express.
I just watched this touching video of Andrew Garfield and Elmo discussing the pain and joy of grief that beautifully shows how our feelings just need a safe space to exist.
Developing a feelings habit encourages children to express themselves verbally, enhancing their communication skills and helping them articulate their needs and concerns. Such practices also teach children emotional regulation, enabling them to cope with their feelings and develop better resilience in difficult situations. By understanding their own emotions, children can cultivate empathy, which promotes compassion and improves social relationships.
Talk about it
Identifying feelings linked to situations encourages kids to explore solutions, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Discussing feelings regularly can reduce the stigma around emotional challenges, making it easier for kids to seek help when necessary and contributing to better mental health overall.
Tools and activities make it fun.
Creating a strong feelings habit helps children build healthier relationships with peers and family members as they learn to navigate emotional dynamics more thoughtfully. To encourage this habit, consider incorporating activities like daily check-ins about emotions, using feelings charts, storytelling, and art to express feelings. Establishing a supportive environment where emotions are validated and openly discussed can significantly impact a child’s emotional literacy.
These feelings cards work well for a homeschool or classroom lesson. They can also be great in a calm corner. I have added them to my Etsy shop so take a look!
