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Here’s Something Just for You
As a potential funder who shares our commitment to nurturing kids’ emotional well-being, we want you to know that relationships are central to everything we do. We created this bonus page to share something special with you.
We know you’re more than your job, and there are many ways you might shape childhood experiences – as a parent or caregiver, grandparent or relative, coach, neighbor, or caring adult. These Big Emotion Cards are designed as a quick, practical resource to help kids navigate and express big emotions. Whether you use them yourself or explore them together with kids, we hope you find them valuable and enjoyable to use.
By joining us here, you’re helping to expand an endless circle of care and support for children’s emotional health. Whether we work together or not, we’re grateful to connect with someone who shares in this mission.
The Big Emotion Cards
Ready to become an emotion expert? The Big Emotion Cards are designed as a quick, practical resource to help kids navigate and express big emotions. Use them yourself or explore them together with kids.
Learning to recognize, name and relate to different emotions is key to emotional well-being. These cards provide a visual image for each emotion, then, flip the card to read a simple, clear description of how to recognize it and conversation starter ideas for helping to explore the feeling.
Who knew emotions could be so fun?! Simply hover your mouse or pointer over a card to get started exploring.
EMOTION CARD
Anger
Recognize it
Feeling upset about something someone does to you. When someone takes your toy or treats a friend badly.
Talking Points
"I noticed you were feeling angry earlier. Can you tell me what happened and why it made you feel that way? Let's talk about ideas for expressing anger in a way that doesn’t hurt you or others."
EMOTION CARD
Calm
Recognize it
Feeling tranquil, mindful or at peace. When you want to sit quietly and savor the moment.
Talking Points
This may be a special time to sit together and simply take in the moment without the need to talk.
EMOTION CARD
Curious
Recognize it
A feeling of wanting to know something or explore something new to you. When a child bends down to examine a shiny rock on the ground.
Talking Points
“It looks like you’re feeling curious about ____. It’s fun to explore new things. What’s captured your imagination?”
EMOTION CARD
Embarrassed
Recognize it
Feeling nervous or uncomfortable about something you’re self-conscious about, like not knowing the answer to a teacher’s question.
Talking Points
“Feeling embarrassed can be so tough in the moment. I often felt embarrassed when I was young, especially when I couldn’t answer my teacher’s questions. I would go so red in the face.”
EMOTION CARD
Excited
Recognize it
Feeling really thrilled, eager, or full of energy about something. When you plan a trip to a theme park you’ve always wanted to visit.
Talking Points
"You look really excited! What is making you feel this way? Let's talk about the things that make you feel excited and why they feel so good."
EMOTION CARD
Fear
Recognize it
Feeling scared about a real or perceived threat. When you go to a new daycare or need to do something new.
Talking Points
"It's OK to feel afraid in this situation, you're not alone. Can you share something that you're afraid will happen? Let's talk about some of the ways this situation might actually support you to feel more confident."
EMOTION CARD
Frustration
Recognize it
Feeling upset or impatient because something isn’t working the way you expected. When you can’t solve a puzzle or math problem.
Talking Points
"I see that you're feeling frustrated. It's okay to feel that way when things don't go the way you planned. Can you tell me what's causing your frustration? Let's talk about ways you could feel like you're taking positive steps forward."
EMOTION CARD
Joy
Recognize it
Feeling an expanding sense of freedom, connection or appreciation. Accomplishing something big or sitting and enjoying a beautiful sunset can bring feelings of joy.
Talking Points
""Joy is such a wonderful feeling. Let’s take a moment to savor this experience together and really enjoy it."
EMOTION CARD
Sad
Recognize it
Feeling unhappy or disappointed because something didn’t go well or you miss someone, like when a beloved pet dies, or you have to miss a special occasion.
Talking Points
"You seem a little sad. It's okay to feel that way. Can you tell me what's making you feel sad? Remember, I'm here to listen and support you through all your emotions."
EMOTION CARD
Shame
Recognize it
Feeling badly about something you’ve done that you believe wasn’t right, like when saying rude or mean things to someone out of anger.
Talking Points
"Sometimes we say or do mean, hurtful things to others that we know aren’t right and then after we feel shame. I’ve felt this too and when I talk about it with some else, it always helps me understand what happened and how to use shame to do better. I’m here to support you."
EMOTION CARD
Surprise
Recognize it
Feeling amazed or startled, like when a friend jumps out from behind a bush or you get a really fun gift you weren’t expecting.
Talking Points
"That seemed to surprise you! Surprise can feel unsettling or like a sudden rush of energy. What surprised you the most and how are you feeling?"
EMOTION CARD
Worry
Recognize it
A feeling that something bad might happen in the future, like getting worried you might fail a test that’s coming up.
Talking Points
"Are you feeling worried about your test next week? You want to do well and it’s ok to feel worried. Sometimes I get worried too. Let’s talk about the things that are really true about your schoolwork."