Help Little Kids with Big Emotions

Mar 06, 2024

As a kids yoga teacher, one of the most rewarding aspects of our practice is witnessing the growth and development of young minds and bodies. In addition to teaching poses and breathing techniques, it's essential for us to nurture emotional intelligence in our students, particularly those aged 4 to 7. One way to do this is helping children identify and name their emotions.

By teaching children to name their emotions, we lay the groundwork for emotional awareness. When kids can recognize what they're feeling, whether it's joy, frustration, excitement, or sadness, they become more in tune with their inner world. This awareness is fundamental for emotional intelligence, empowering children to understand their reactions and navigate the complexities of their feelings.  

As children engage in poses, games and breathing exercises in a yoga class, they may encounter a range of emotions. By encouraging them to identify and name them, you can create a safe space for self-reflection and exploration. This process fosters a deeper connection between mind and body, enhancing the overall experience of yoga practice.

In one class I was teaching, a young boy ran around and around the room. No invitations to join us in the circle were accepted. I went over to where he was running, got down in front of him face-to-face and asked, “Are you just not sure what to do with your body and that’s why you’re running around?” He looked stunned and then his expression melted into relief and recognition. “Yes!”, he said. I named what he was feeling and that felt good. Then I said, “don’t worry, you can sit right by me and I’ll show you what to do, come on!” He wasn’t wrong. He wasn’t in trouble. He just needed someone to help him name what he was feeling so he could better understand it and then take right action. 

When children can articulate their feelings, they also gain the ability to express themselves effectively. This skill not only benefits their interactions within the yoga class but also extends to their relationships with family, friends, and teachers. By giving words to their emotions, children can communicate their needs, desires, and concerns more clearly, fostering better understanding and empathy in their social interactions. 

Don’t worry about getting it wrong. One young girl in my class had a great response to my inaccurate description of what she was feeling. I said, “you’re worried about this” in response to what she was telling me. Right away she said, “No I’m not, I’m mad!” Mission accomplished. I didn’t get it right, but she did. It gave her the contrast to land on what she was feeling. That’s what counts. 

Naming emotions is a valuable self-regulation tool as well. Emotions can be powerful and overwhelming, especially for young children who are still learning to navigate the world around them. By helping them identify their feelings, we empower them to regulate their emotions more effectively. When children understand what they're feeling, they can develop coping strategies to manage their emotions in healthy ways, reducing the likelihood of tantrums or meltdowns. This is a skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

Empathy is another vital skill that blossoms when children can name their emotions. Understanding their own feelings lays the groundwork for understanding the feelings of others. As kids become more adept at recognizing and labeling their emotions, they become more attuned to the emotions of those around them. This heightened empathy fosters better relationships and social interactions, laying the foundation for a more compassionate and inclusive community. 

Early emotional literacy has profound implications for mental health. Children who can name their emotions are more likely to seek help when needed, leading to healthier emotional development and reduced risk of mental health issues later in life. By empowering children with the tools to understand and manage their emotions, we can set them on a path towards emotional well-being and resilience. 

As kids yoga teachers, we have a unique opportunity to nurture emotional intelligence in our students. By incorporating activities and discussions that encourage the naming of emotions you can enrich their yoga practice and empower them to navigate the ups and downs of life with confidence and compassion. Together, let's cultivate a generation of emotionally literate yogis who are equipped to thrive both on and off the mat.