By Snowballs Team · 3/3/2026
When children can name what they feel, they can start to manage it. Here are five simple strategies you can use today.
Use Characters as Proxies Instead of asking "How are you feeling?", try "Which Snowball are you today?" Characters give kids a safe way to express emotions without feeling exposed.
Normalize All Feelings There are no "bad" feelings. Jealousy, anxiety, and frustration are all part of being human. The goal isn't to eliminate them — it's to recognize and manage them.
Model Your Own Emotions "I'm feeling a bit Over-Ollie today because I have too much on my plate." When adults name their feelings, kids learn it's safe to do the same.
Create a Feelings Check-In Routine Morning circle, bedtime, or dinner — pick a consistent time to check in. Consistency builds the habit.
Celebrate the Naming When a child says "I'm feeling Compare Bear," that's a win. Acknowledge it. "Thank you for telling me. What do you think would help right now?"