Pounce Behavioral Health Columbus Ohio

Sometimes emotions show up in our bodies before we even have the words to describe them!

Children might notice:

❤️ A faster heartbeat when they're excited or nervous
✊ Tight fists when they're frustrated
🦋 Butterflies in their stomach when they're worried
😴 Heavy eyes when they're tired
😊 Relaxed muscles when they're feeling calm

Helping children notice these signals can be one way to build emotional awareness.

Try asking, “What does your body feel like right now?” during different moments throughout the day.

There's no right or wrong answer! Everyone experiences emotions differently, and learning to recognize those feelings can take time and practice. 💙

Joining an activity that's already happening can involve more skills than we realize!

Children may be figuring out how to:

👀 Notice what others are playing
💬 Ask if they can join
⏳ Wait for an opportunity to participate
🎲 Learn the rules of the activity
🤝 Take turns and share materials
🔄 Find something else to do if the answer is “not right now”

These skills don't always happen automatically—and that's okay. Adults can help by modeling simple phrases, practicing through play, or giving children a little support when opportunities come up naturally.

Sometimes something as simple as joining the game can involve a whole lot of learning. 💙