How to use it
Choose the feelings you want to show. Four is plenty to start.
Print it and hang it somewhere easy to reach.
Point to a face when you name your own feelings, so it becomes familiar.
When a hard moment has passed, ask your child to show you the face.
Make it last: print on cardstock, laminate it or slip it into a sheet protector, and use a dry-erase marker or Velcro dots so you can use it again.
Questions parents ask
When should we use it?
Calm moments are the best time to practice. In the middle of a big feeling, a child may just need you nearby.
What if my child points to the same face every time?
That’s fine. Say what you see, and keep naming your own feelings too. If you’re worried about your child’s feelings or behavior, talk with your pediatrician.
Is my child’s name saved anywhere?
No. A name you type stays in your browser so it can print on the sheet. It is never sent to us.
Is it really free?
Yes. One email unlocks this and every other tool in the library, and you can print as many as you like. Your email also brings one short story each Tuesday, and you can leave anytime.
Read it with a story
This is a simple visual support for everyday routines, not a therapy or a treatment. If your child works with a teacher or therapist, they can tell you how it fits with what they already do. Picture symbols: Mulberry Symbols, CC BY-SA 4.0.
