Targeting Emotions

It is often difficult for children to clearly express what they want to say, especially for children with language difficulties.  When emotions run high, frustration can build up, leading to maladaptive behaviors.  Below are some tips to help your child identify and express emotions.

1. Start with a few simple words, such as “happy,” “sad,” and “angry,” and using them in real-life situations to describe how other people and the child, are feeling.
2. Discuss whether people look happy, sad, or angry in photos. You can use an iPad app, search for images online, look at pictures in magazines, or even use family photos. See if your child can imitate various facial expressions.
3. Identify emotions in characters in your child’s favorite books, movies, TV shows, and discuss how they can change throughout the story.

Hope this helps!

Nicole Cohen, MS CF-SLP