How to Use a Feelings Chart for Kids (+ Free Printable!)
- Dr. Ashley Houchin
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 44 minutes ago
As parents and caregivers, we all want to help our kids understand and express their emotions — but sometimes, finding the right words can be tough. That’s where a feelings chart comes in handy!
Watch the video to learn how to use a feelings chart - and be sure to download and print our free feelings chart here!
A feelings chart helps children identify what they’re feeling by showing simple faces or emotion words they can point to. It’s a gentle way to help them make sense of their emotions, build emotional vocabulary, and start important conversations.
Why a Feelings Chart is Helpful
Young children often experience big emotions but don’t always have the words to describe them. A feelings chart bridges that gap. It helps your child:
Recognize and name emotions like happy, sad, mad, or scared
Learn that all feelings are okay — even the hard ones
Build emotional awareness and empathy
Feel more in control when emotions run high
When kids can name what they’re feeling, it becomes easier for them (and you!) to find healthy ways to cope and connect.
Where to Hang Your Feelings Chart
Put your feelings chart somewhere your child can easily see and reach it:
On the refrigerator
In their bedroom or playroom
Near a calm-down corner
On your dining room table or coffee table
The key is to make it part of your everyday environment, not something that only comes out during “problem times."
When to Use a Feelings Chart
Feelings charts are especially helpful when your child is having a big feeling — like after a disagreement, when they’re frustrated with you or a sibling, or when they seem withdrawn or upset but can’t say why.
You can gently ask: "Can you show me what you’re feeling right now on the chart?”
This simple question gives them permission to pause and check in with themselves, turning overwhelming emotions into something they can name and manage.
How to Use a Feelings Chart
Introduce the chart during a calm moment. Point to each feeling face or word and talk about what it means.
Model using it yourself. Say things like, “I’m feeling happy today, so I picked this face.”
Check in regularly. You can use it in the morning, after school, or before bedtime as part of your routine.
Validate their choices. If your child points to “angry,” respond with empathy: “I see you’re angry.”
Over time, your child will start using the chart independently, and you’ll notice fewer meltdowns and more conversations.
Long-Term Benefits of Using a Feelings Chart
Using a feelings chart consistently helps children:
Develop emotional intelligence, a key skill for lifelong mental health
Improve communication skills with parents, teachers, and peers
Strengthen self-regulation and resilience
Build stronger, more trusting relationships
In short, you’re helping your child build tools for emotional well-being that will serve them far beyond childhood.
“Using a feelings chart has stopped countless meltdowns in our house. I'm surprised how much it's helped our kids calm down, and now our oldest even coaches others when they're having big feelings." - Kristopher, father of two
“Before using a feelings chart, my kids could not articulate their feelings. Now they can tell me they’re excited, frustrated or disappointed — and that’s been a total game changer.” - Darcey, mother of two
Download Our Free Printable Feelings Chart for Kids
Download our free printable feelings chart below. If you need a refresher on how to use it, just scan the QR code at the bottom of the page to watch the video again.
We hope this resource is helpful for your family!
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At Lotus Bloom Psychology, we support individuals across the lifespan. Here are just a few of our family-centered services:
