Helping Kids Cope: Why Naming Emotions is the First Step

As kids and teens grow, they’re faced with big feelings that can feel overwhelming—especially when they don’t yet have the language to explain what’s going on inside. That’s where emotional vocabulary becomes a powerful tool. One of the simplest, yet most effective strategies you can teach your child is the practice of “Name it to Tame it.”

Invented by Dr. Dan Siegel, this strategy makes the children name what they are experiencing. Why? Because when we can name and recognize our feeling, our brain will get a chance to catch up and start soothing the nervous system. For instance, a child will say “I’m mad,” when in fact the underlying, real feeling is one of being frustrated, left out, or overwhelmed. That clarity gives them the master key to greater understanding of what they require in the moment—and what may help them feel better.

Why Emotional Vocabulary Matters
Most kids—and even teenagers—have a hard time cutting through feelings such as anxious from excited, or jealous from sad. Learning to use a large vocabulary of feeling words enables them to better see what’s actually happening and makes it simpler for you to help them. Rather than guessing, you can collaborate to track down the source and create a plan that helps you both.

Connecting Emotions to Coping Resources
Once a child has identified what they’re feeling, then it’s much simpler to select a coping skill that really works. For instance, if they’re anxious, grounding exercises or deep breathing will do the job. If they’re isolated, connection or comfort behavior will work. Coping skills are not one size fits all—identification of the emotion is the ticket to having the right kind of help.

Resources to Try

Help your child or teen build stronger emotional awareness and healthy coping skills with this free printable:

🖨️ “I Feel, I Can” Printable
✅ Helps kids name their emotions
✅ Encourages body awareness and emotional connection
✅ Guides them to choose a healthy coping strategy

👉 Download the “I Feel, I Can.” free printable here to start practicing emotional regulation in a simple, daily way!