Helpful Tips on using the “I’m Feeling” Magnet

Identifying our emotions can be very hard. For us and our children we can either sense that there are so many emotions at the same time or we can find the difficulty of identifying them all very overwhelming.

But when we grow in being able to name our emotions, it helps us both to regulate ourselves and grow in our relationships with each other.

Keep it Visible

• Place the magnet or chart on the fridge, bedroom door, or homework space.

• Use it often, so feelings become a normal part of family conversations

Choose a Time

• Use the magnet or chart at natural moments: before school, after school, before bed, or during family conversations.

• A great time is also during playtime with children

• Keep it short (2–5 minutes). Consistency is more important than length.

Ask a Gentle Question

Try one of these:

• “How are you feeling right now?”

• “Point to the face that shows how you feel.”

• “Which one looks most like you today?”

Listen and Accept

• Let your child point or name an emotion.

• Don’t rush to “fix” it—start by being “quick to listen” (James 1)

• Be mindful that there are no “bad emotions”

• Show empathy: “I can see you’re feeling sad. That sounds hard.”

Explore Together

If your child is ready:

• Ask “What happened that made you feel this way?”

• Ask “What would help you right now?”

• If they’re stuck, point to a face and share your own feeling: “I feel sad because it is raining too much!”

Connect with God

The chart includes Psalm 139:1 – “You have searched me and you know me.”

• Remind your child that God knows how we feel, even before we say it.

• Pray a short prayer together: e.g. “God, thank You that You know we feel worried. Please help us to know we have peace because of Jesus.”