“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

1. Emotion Charades: Express and Guess

Encourage your toddler to express different emotions through a fun game of charades. Use simple emotions like happy, sad, or surprised, and act them out together. This activity not only helps them recognize emotions in themselves and others but also enhances their communication skills.

Here, there is a free printable of 20 kids' emotions!

You can also buy these beautiful Flash Cards.

2. Building Empathy with Storytime

Read books that highlight characters experiencing diverse emotions or situations. Pause during the story to discuss how the characters might feel and why. Encourage your toddler to share their thoughts and feelings. This activity fosters empathy and perspective-taking.

3. Mindful Breathing

Introduce simple mindfulness exercises, such as mindful breathing. Guide your toddler to take slow, deep breaths, counting to three on each inhale and exhale. This activity helps toddlers manage stress and build emotional resilience.

“In My Heart: A Book of Feelings” by Jo Witek

This interactive book explores a range of emotions in a way that is relatable for toddlers. The die-cut pages and expressive illustrations help children connect with and understand their own emotions.

“The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld

This heartwarming story teaches the importance of empathy and listening. It shows toddlers that sometimes, the best way to support someone is to be there and listen, fostering emotional intelligence.

“Listening to My Body” by Gabi Garcia

This book combines mindfulness and self-awareness, teaching toddlers to listen to their bodies and recognize when they need to take a moment. It includes simple breathing exercises to promote calmness.

“I Am Yoga” by Susan Verde

This book introduces children to the transformative power of yoga, highlighting its role in connecting mind and body. This playful book encourages kids to explore yoga as a tool for stress relief, mental calmness, and physical strength. Through imaginative illustrations, it inspires a noncompetitive and enjoyable approach to building mindfulness from an early age.

“The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr

This vibrant and easy-to-understand children's book uses colorful illustrations and simple language to explore a range of emotions positively and inclusively. It helps young readers navigate and embrace their feelings while promoting empathy and understanding..