Feelings 101
This is the first step to helping build emotional intelligence: recognizing and naming this.
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?
This short daily ritual, even just 10 minutes, helps kids feel noticed and valued.
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?
This simple strategy—doing homework in the same quiet spot each day—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 signals of emotions?
When a conflict arises, encouraging kids to use “I” statements helps with this skill.
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 the comparison trap?
Experts recommend middle schoolers take these kinds of breaks from social media to protect their mental health 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 releases these “feel-good” brain chemicals called endorphins.
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 rejected.
What is fear (or sadness)?
This is the term for using social media to intentionally hurt, embarrass, or exclude someone.
What is cyberbullying?
This consistent routine at home helps reduce anxiety and helps kids feel secure, even if they don’t say it out loud.
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 a growth mindset / effort over outcome?