Feelings Finder
What makes YOU feel happy?
(Any response is correct) Examples: playing with friends, being at Mom's, my pet, favorite game, art, recess, etc.
When you're hungry, where do you feel it in your body?
Stomach/belly, feel empty, tummy rumbles/growls, feel weak/tired, head feels weird
Show me how to take 3 deep breaths - I'll do it with you!
(Do together) Breathe in slowly through nose (count 1-2-3), breathe out slowly through mouth (count 1-2-3). Repeat 3 times.
TRUE or FALSE: It's okay to miss Mom when you're at Dad's.
TRUE
Name something you're REALLY good at!
Examples: drawing, video games, reading, math, remembering things, being kind, taking care of pets,
When you don't want to go somewhere, how does your body feel? (stomach, head, arms, legs?)
Any body sensation is correct) Common responses: butterflies/tight stomach, headache, heavy/tired, tense muscles, want to cry
MOVEMENT BREAK: Jump up and down 5 times. Now - is your heart beating fast or slow?
Fast! (Correct answer after jumping
FIDGET CHALLENGE: Use something in the room to help your hands feel calm for 30 seconds.
(Any fidget item or tactile object) Examples: stress ball, fidget spinner, play-doh, soft object, paper to fold, pencil to hold
What's one thing you like at Mom's house? What's one thing you like at Dad's house?
Mom's examples: my room, feeling safe, we do fun things, Mom understands me, my pet
Dad's examples: might say "nothing" (validate: "that's honest"), or find something small: TV show, food, Dad's dog, a toy
FAST THINKING: Name as many animals as you can in 15 seconds!
(Count how many - celebrate the number)
CHOICE CARD: Would you rather tell someone you're upset OR show them with a drawing? Pick one and try it!
Show me what your face and body do when you're frustrated.
(Any demonstration is correct) Common: frowning, furrowed eyebrows, crossed arms, clenched fists, tight jaw, hunched shoulders
When you're upset about going to Dad's, name ONE thing that might help (talking, drawing, being alone, hugging stuffed animal, etc.)
(Any coping strategy is correct) Examples:
CHOICE: If you could bring ONE special thing from Mom's to Dad's, what would it be?
(Any comfort object) Examples: stuffed animal, blanket, favorite toy, picture, special pillow, book
When is a time you were brave, even when something was hard?
Fill in: "When I'm at Mom's house I feel _____. When I'm at Dad's house I feel _____."
(All feelings are valid) Examples:
Your tummy feels tight and weird before going somewhere you don't want to go. What emotion might that be?
Nervous, worried, anxious, scared, don't want to, uncomfortable, stressed
TIMER GAME: Pick a calm-down activity and do it until the timer beeps (30 seconds). What did you choose?
(Set timer, client chooses) Examples: deep breathing, stretching, drawing, looking at pictures, holding fidget, listening to music
Fill in the blank: "Going between houses is hard because _____."
What helps your brain focus best? (movement? fidgets? music? quiet?)
CHALLENGE: Use the feelings thermometer (0-10). Show where you are RIGHT NOW and pick a word for that feeling.
(Any number + any feeling word)
CHALLENGE: Create your own "body map" - draw where you feel different emotions on a body outline.
Provide body outline template) Examples:
CHALLENGE: Make a "Travel Calm Kit" - what 3 things would you put in a bag to help when you go between Mom's and Dad's?
CHALLENGE: If you could tell both your parents ONE thing to make transitions easier, what would it be? (You don't have to actually tell them - just practice here!)
CHALLENGE: Teach me one of YOUR special interests or favorite things! You have 1 minute.
Examples: specific game, animal facts, TV show, hobby, collection