Here’s the deal: kids feel everything. Like, all the time.

Joy. Frustration. Excitement. Overwhelm. All in the same five minutes.

They’ve got these amazing little brains still figuring out the big world—and most days, we’re just along for the emotional rollercoaster ride, snacks in hand.

But here’s the magic: emotional intelligence isn’t just something you’re born with—it’s something we teach.

And no, we’re not talking lectures or flashcards. We’re talking play, style, connection—all the things our kids already love.

So let’s dive in: how do we raise emotionally smart, self-aware little legends without making it feel like homework? You make it part of everyday life.

 

 

1. Play = Practice for Feelings

Play is a kid’s first language. It’s how they explore the world and make sense of themselves.

So next time you’re doing LEGO or dollhouse duty, use it as a soft entry into emotional awareness.

Try:

• “Oh no, looks like this mini figure is feeling left out—what should we do?”

• “What do you think this character would say if they were scared?”

By naming feelings in play, you give kids tools to spot them in real life.

 

 

2. Dress the Part—Literally

Clothes are emotional cues. Think about how you feel in your comfiest trackies vs. tight jeans with no give.

Now imagine how a 4-year-old feels in stiff, scratchy clothes they didn’t pick.

At Sand + Salt Kids, we design with comfort and expression in mind.

When your kid chooses a tee that says “Kind is Cool” or “Epic Vibes,” they’re not just picking a colour—they’re choosing how they want to feel.

And when they feel confident and seen, emotional resilience skyrockets.

 

 

3. Feelings Charts are Your New Bestie

Got a toddler who throws bananas across the room? Or a seven-year-old who turns into a sulky turtle after school?

Visual tools help. Use a feelings chart (or draw silly face emojis together) to help your child point to how they feel.

No pressure to talk. Just point. Then breathe. Then chat if they’re up for it.

4. Teach the Pause

 

 

Kids aren’t wired for impulse control yet (honestly, neither are we on a bad sleep week).

That’s why teaching them to pause—even for a few seconds—is GOLD.

We call it the “Superhero Freeze.”

→ When they feel big feelings coming, strike a freeze pose like a superhero and take one deep breath.

→ Then decide what to do next.

This turns meltdowns into moments of choice. Powerful stuff.

 

 

5. Model It Like a Boss

The best emotional intelligence lesson? You.

When your kids see you name your feelings, take space when needed, or say “I’m sorry I yelled, I was feeling overwhelmed,” it teaches them exactly how to do the same.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real.

TL;DR:

 

 

Teaching emotional intelligence doesn’t require a PhD in child psych.

It starts with play, comfy clothes, open convos, and showing them it’s okay to feel it all.

At Sand + Salt Kids, we’re raising rad little humans who know who they are—and aren’t afraid to feel big.

Ready to help your groms wear their hearts on their tees?

Check out our Feelings-First Collection—designed to boost confidence, spark convo, and give big feelings the comfort they deserve.

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