Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Aware of Feelings

Friends, Family and Home

• Be aware that adults and friends may easily hurt her feelings.
• Encourage him to tell his brothers and sisters and friends how he is feeling.
• Let her help take care of younger siblings and pets.
• Encourage him to develop friendships with children who have special needs and need extra help.

Learning, Childcare and School

• Make teachers aware that she easily gets her feelings hurt.
• Ask teachers to let him help other children who need extra help.
• Ask the teacher to check with her during the day asking how she feels about things.
• When he is upset, help him calm down before beginning a learning activity.

Activities and Television

• Involve her in group activities such as board games.
• Limit television programs that are too sad, violent or emotional.
• Talk about how people are feeling in TV shows and whether or not it is real.

Guidance and Discipline

• Use feeling words when you talk to him, such as "How do you feel about...?"
• Have her think about the good and bad of different actions before making decisions.
• Help him think through a situation and talk to someone before responding emotionally.
• Remember that when you or someone around your baby is upset, she may become upset, too.