As toddlers grow, they are learning how to use words to tell us what they want and need. They point to items to ask what they are and we tell them. But some things - like feelings - are hard to point at. Toddlers need help identifying and naming their emotions. Books are helpful tools because they have pictures toddlers can relate to and point at. We can make other games for toddlers to learn feelings too. Collect some pictures from magazines that depict children showing different emotions. You can place these pictures on cards, tie them together to make a book or even glue them to a small box you can roll. Have lots of conversations about feelings and talk about how everyone has them. Before you know it, your toddler will be able to tell you how she feels!
'Round and 'round the garden, [Gently circle your child's belly, back or hand.]
Goes the teddy bear.
One step, two step, [Walk fingers up child's arm.]
Tickle under there! [Tickle under chin.]
Repeat as long as your little one enjoys tickle time!