How to Talk to Kids About Joy
Joy and happiness are emotions everyone feels in a variety of situations - maybe we feel them because someone gives us a gift, or tells us something kind, or helps us with something! Emotions can be felt in our bodies and influence the way we think and act. We can have positive or negative emotions, but all of them are useful. Emotions can tell us something about ourselves or tell us what to do next. They are here to take care of us!
Get to Know Joy
My Other Names:
Happy, Proud, Peaceful, Content
What I Feel Like:
Energetic, relaxed, good, cheeks smiling, normal breathing or excited breathing.
What My Job is:
To tell you about what you like. I also tell you that you are safe and loved.
What I Look Like:
Smiling, laughing, clapping, cheering, dancing, jumping.
What I Sound Like:
“I love this!” “Yay!” “I’m having a good time!” “I’m so happy!”
What Happens When I Take Over:
I motivate you to get out of bed and enjoy the mornings. I show you the things that you enjoy. I help you love and be kind to others. I make you feel good about yourself. You will get sick less. I help you to feel healthier and less stressed.
What to Do With Me:
Acknowledge me
Enjoy me when I am around
Share me with others and help them to be happy too
Know that it is okay that you will not feel me (joy) all the time - the other emotions are important too!
Do more of the things that you like, to feel me more often
How to Start a Conversation About Joy:
If you think your child would benefit from talking about their emotions of joy, you can start with letting them know: “Sometimes we are happy, and sometimes we are sad, and that’s okay!” You can then follow up with some prompting questions like: “What makes you the most happy?” “What are you feeling in your body when you’re happy?” or “Would you want to be happy all the time, or is there anything good about sometimes feeling neutral or even sad?” Let your child know you’re here to support them, you aren’t judging them for their emotions, and you want to help.
If you would like support in talking to your child about emotions, our team at The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre can help. Please contact our intake and administration team to set up a free consultation with one or more of our family or child clinicians.
About the Author
Toni Lui, MSW RSW, is an individual, child and couples therapist at The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre. She supports individuals and couples with autism, conversations around cultural identity, cross-cultural or cross-religious issues, life transitions and more.