Feelings 101
The first step to understanding your feelings is to notice them and give them a name.
What are feelings/emotions?
This is what we call the pressure to act a certain way because of friends or classmates.
What is peer pressure?
“A short daily check-in — even 10 minutes — helps kids feel special and cared about.”
What is one-on-one time? or What is quality time?
Taking a few deep breaths is an example of this stress management strategy.
What is relaxation/breathing exercise?
Setting aside space or time—for doing homework, school activities in the a quiet spot—helps kids focus.
What is creating a study space or routine?
The physical clues—like butterflies in the stomach or sweaty palms—are called these.
What are body signs of being nervous?
“Saying things like ‘I feel…’ or ‘I need…’ helps kids solve problems with calm and kind ________.
What is communication?
Instead of saying “Calm down,” parents can help by asking this type of question to guide kids toward coping strategies.
What is “What might help you feel better right now?”
A regular bedtime routine supports this type of rest that reduces stress.
What is sleep?
Instead of asking “Do you have homework?” parents can spark conversation by asking this question.
What is “What did you learn today?” or “What was the most interesting part of class?”
Posting only the “perfect” parts of life on social media can lead to this feeling in kids who compare themselves.
What is comparing yourself to others?
“Experts think unplugging from social media sometimes helps kids protect their feelings and friendships.”
What are screen-free breaks / digital detoxes?
When a middle schooler shares a problem, this supportive skill is more important than giving advice right away.
What is active listening?
Journaling, drawing, or listening to music are all examples of these healthy outlets.
What are coping strategies?
Writing assignments, projects, and test dates in one place helps kids build this skill.
What is organization/time management?
True or False: All emotions, even anger or sadness, serve a purpose.
What is True?
Parents can encourage kids to use this “test” before posting: Would you be okay if a teacher, grandparent, or future boss saw it?
What is the “grandma test” (or digital responsibility test)?
Research shows kids build resilience when parents model this—admitting when they don’t know something and showing how to learn.
What is growth mindset?
“This helps your brain make happy chemicals called endorphins that boost your mood.”
What is exercise?
True or False: Struggling with a problem is bad for learning.
What is False? (Struggle helps brains grow through problem-solving.)
This emotion is often hidden under anger and shows up when kids feel unsafe or hurt.
What is fear (or sadness)?
This is the term for using social media to intentionally hurt, embarrass, or exclude someone.
What is cyberbullying?
“A steady routine makes life feel safe and easy to handle — even when kids don’t say it.”
What are family routines (like mealtimes, bedtime, etc.)?
When kids feel overwhelmed, breaking a big task into smaller ones teaches this skill.
What is problem-solving (or time management)?
Parents can boost motivation by praising this—effort and strategies—instead of just grades.
What is effort over outcome?