Sometimes, big feelings can feel confusing—or even scary—for children. Use these questions to help children explore emotions—both their own and those of the people around them.

Perfect for bedtime, walks, meals, or any moment when you want to connect and practice empathy.

Questions for Families

1. What does your big feeling look like?
   If your feeling were a cloud, storm, tornado, or rock, what would it be? How might someone else’s cloud look different?
   
2. What color or shape is your feeling?
   If you could paint or shape your emotion, what would it look like? How might someone else’s feeling be different?
   
3. Where do feelings live?
   If emotions had a home, where would they be—under your bed, in your heart, a cloud in the sky? How might another person’s feelings live somewhere else?
   
4. How do you calm a storm inside?
   What activities, tools, or people help you feel safe or calm when feelings get big? How could you help someone else calm their storm?
   
5. What’s in your beach bag for big feelings?
   What tools, people, or activities would you bring to help your emotions feel lighter? How might someone else pack their beach bag differently?
   
6. Who can help when feelings get too big?
   Who do you feel safe talking to or turning to for support? Who might someone else turn to?
   
7. How do we show love when someone isn’t okay?
   What can we do to care for someone who is sad, upset, or overwhelmed? How does that help them feel better?
   
8. Can we turn a big feeling into a story?
   If your cloud or someone else’s cloud went on an adventure, what would happen?
   
9. How does your cloud change over time?
   Do feelings stay the same, or do they shift, shrink, or move away? How might someone else’s cloud change too?
   
10. What’s the smallest thing that can make a cloud lighter?
    Is it a hug, a song, a walk, a joke, or something else? What might help someone else’s cloud feel lighter?

Tips for Using These Questions

• Keep it light and playful—there are no wrong answers.
• Listen actively and let your child guide the conversation.
• Consider drawing, acting, or using stuffed animals or toys to make feelings more tangible.
• Revisit the questions regularly; feelings change over time, and so will the answers.

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