Parenting Tip of the Week: Teach Emotion Labeling
- Eddie Shin, LMFT
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Parenting is hard, especially in the busy world that we live in. Applying these small and simple skills each week will help you in your journey of parenting and build connection with your children and/or teens!
One of the most impactful tools we can teach children and teens is how to understand and express their emotions. When kids can put a name to what they’re feeling, they gain a sense of control and clarity—and that opens the door to emotional regulation, stronger communication, and deeper relationships.
Emotion labeling is the practice of helping children and teens identify and name their feelings. It’s not something we’re born knowing how to do—it’s a skill we learn, often through modeling and support. When a parent pauses and says, “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated because your tower fell over. Is that how you feel?” you’re doing much more than just reflecting back a moment. You’re helping them build their emotional vocabulary and feel seen in the process.
The same applies to teens, even if their emotional language looks a little different. For example, if your teen has been withdrawn or quiet, you might gently say, “I noticed you haven’t wanted to talk much lately. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed or sad?” Even if they say “no,” or shrug, you’ve opened a window to help them begin checking in with themselves—and that matters.
The ultimate goal is for your child or teen to be able to recognize their emotions and what’s triggering them in real-time. But this kind of emotional insight doesn't come instantly. It’s built slowly, over time, and—importantly—outside of emotionally intense moments. That’s why it’s helpful to make emotional learning part of everyday conversations and even playful activities.
Make It Fun: Emotional UNO
A favorite in many child therapy sessions is playing an “emotion twist” on the classic game UNO. It’s simple, playful, and gently invites emotional awareness without pressure. Here’s how to try it at home:
You’ll need:
A regular UNO deck
A piece of paper or whiteboard with the following guide:
🔴 Red = Something that makes you mad, frustrated, or annoyed
🔵 Blue = Something that makes you sad, uncomfortable, or alone
🟢 Green = Something that makes you worried, nervous, or overwhelmed
🟡 Yellow = Something that makes you happy, excited, or surprised
🌈 Wild = Pick any color and share something connected to that feeling
As you play, each time someone lays down a color card, they share an experience related to that feeling. For example, if your child plays a green card, they might say, “I felt nervous when I had to talk in front of the class.” You can model this too! Say something like, “Green makes me think of the time I felt overwhelmed when I had too much on my to-do list.”
This type of game can spark natural conversations about emotions, help kids notice their own feelings more easily, and create a safe space for them to express themselves.
The Bigger Picture
Emotion labeling builds emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-regulation—all of which are essential for healthy development and strong relationships. And when you, as the parent, consistently model this practice with compassion and curiosity, you’re not just teaching a skill—you’re nurturing a bond of trust and understanding.
So whether it’s through games, bedtime chats, or moments of reflection during daily life, take time to name feelings, ask questions, and share your own emotions, too. These small efforts have a big impact.
Try it out this week, and remember—it’s okay if it feels clumsy at first. Emotional fluency takes time, and every attempt counts.
Check out Playful Connection Podcast for more tips each Monday morning!
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