Little People, Big Feelings: A Special Storytime
Little People, Big Feelings was special storytime that I hosted back in August 2020 to address the young child’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had an great showing, which I think goes to show that parents and caregivers are recognizing that their little ones are dealing with their own set of social/emotional struggles right now. I hope that everyone was able to come out of it knowing that it is natural and OK for their children to feel this way, and with some new ways to help their little ones process their big feelings.
Reading
The Don't Worry Book by Todd Parr
Tummy Ride... Calming Breaths for Little Ones (Mindful Tots Series) by Whitney Stewart
Singing
This song can be like magic to children in the midst of feeling big emotions! All of the movements in the song encourage children to ground themselves, resulting in a calmer state of mind.
A Big Star Fish
A big starfish, a big starfish (stretch!)
Little cuddle clam (hug yourself), and a big starfish
A big starfish, a big starfish
Little cuddle clam, and a big starfish
A puffer fish, a puffer fish, (breathe in deep, hold in your cheeks, then push it out with your hands)
Little cuddle clam and a big starfish
A puffer fish, a puffer fish,
Little cuddle clam and a big starfish
I've Got Peace Like a River
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my heart
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my heart
Other verses: I've got love like an ocean, I've got joy like a fountain
Tips & Talking Points (sent in an email to parents & caregivers)
Let's not beat around the bush: We're in the middle of a pandemic. Our children do not fully understand the weight of the recent events in the world. As grown-ups, we are feeling so much these days. Whatever situation you are in, we can all say that we've felt overwhelmed, sad, and angry at some point over the last several months.
Children notice our feelings. They notice our stress and sadness. They notice when we're too busy and overwhelmed. Because children pick up on these feelings, you may notice your child has increased feelings of anger or sadness recently. That's all on top of increased video and screen use, less time with family and friends, and feelings of uncertainty. Help your child by talking about their feelings. Help them identify their feelings and work through them appropriately (this is called "self regulation").
Here are some ways to help your little ones cope with feelings of anger, sadness, or other upset feelings, which can overwhelm them:
Take some deep breaths together. Try placing your hands on your tummies when you breathe in. Watch your hands rise and fall, like waves in the ocean, as you breathe.
Give your little one some ice to throw on the sidewalk outside. Watch it crash into pieces! Safety note: Be mindful that they do not hold the ice in their hands for too long.
Give your little one some clay, play-doh, slime, or something else that they can squish or break apart in their hands.
When they're calm enough, ask them why they're angry/upset/that feeling. They may not know, but be patient and help them arrive at an answer by asking open-ended questions. For example, "what were you doing when your anger/sadness/etc started?"
Define your child's feelings for them. They don't naturally know what each feeling is called when they're experiencing it. For example, if your child is upset because they cannot get their shoe on, you could say "I notice you're feeling angry because you cannot get your shoes on."
Define wrong choices your child makes when they're expressing their feelings. For example, "I notice that you're angry, and you hit your sister. Remember, hitting hurts. We do not hurt others. When we're angry, we keep our hands and feet to ourselves. Instead, let's take a deep breath and give your pillow a great big squeeze."
Depending on how your child is feeling, doing something silly can also be an effective option! Whether it is wearing underwear on your head, like in Todd Parr's book, or dancing to a favorite song, something silly can definitely help those upset feelings subside.
When you get angry, upset, or sad yourself, identifying those feelings for your child can help. If you hurt yourself and yell something out, that can frighten a child. Gently apologize and identify your feelings, "I am sorry I yelled. I stepped on something sharp, and I felt really upset because it hurt. I'm going to take a deep breath, because I know that will help me feel better." Being honest with your child about feelings like this is a great way to lead by example!
If you are looking for some other good books about feelings, and regaining feelings of calm, check these out:
When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland
Breathing Makes it Better: A Book for Sad Days, Mad Days, Glad Days, and All the Feelings In-Between by Christopher Willard
A Kiss Means I Love You by Kathryn Madeline Allen
Under the Lilacs by E.B. Goodale
The Listening Walk by Paul
1-2-3 A Calmer Me by Colleen Patterson
Loving Kindness: Happy Feelings for Little Ones (Mindful Tots series) by Whitney Stewart
Sweep by Louise Greig
Danny and the Blue Cloud by James Foley
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
One More Hug by Megan Alexander
How Do You Feel? by Lucy Rockwell
The "What To Do" series by Dawn Huebner
Thank You for Attending!
I hope you and your little one enjoyed our "Little People, Big Feelings" storytime today! I also hope that these suggestions help. I'm not an expert in child psychology, but I have worked with young children in libraries and the Montessori classroom for several years. I am giving these suggestions based on my own personal experiences working with children, and they may not work for everyone.
By the way, as I mentioned today, I am a huge fan of Mister Rogers, who was the king of feelings! His show is timeless, so look it up and take a watch with your little one if you're looking for something calming and uplifting to watch.
Please note: If you have serious concerns about your child's emotions and/or behaviors, you may consider speaking with a medical professional.
