Feelings Are Friends: Understanding Our Emotions

Have you ever felt happy, sad, angry, or scared? Those feelings are called emotions, and every single person has them — even grown-ups! Emotions are like little messengers inside your body that tell you how you are doing. They are never wrong, and it is always okay to feel them.

Imagine you are playing at the park and your friend takes your toy without asking. You might feel angry or sad. That feeling is your body's way of saying, "Something doesn't feel fair to me!" When you notice a feeling, you can take a slow, deep breath and think about what to do next.

Here is a fun example: Maya had to give a speech in front of her class. Her tummy felt fluttery and her hands felt sweaty — she was feeling nervous! She took three deep breaths, remembered her teacher was there to help, and did a wonderful job. Noticing the feeling helped her be brave.

Remember, all feelings are okay, but not all actions are okay. If you feel angry, it is okay to feel that way — but it is not okay to hit or shout at others. Instead, you can squeeze a pillow, draw how you feel, or talk to a trusted grown-up. You are doing a great job learning about your feelings!