- \n
- What Are Emotion Words?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emotions vs. Feelings vs. Moods\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Core Emotion Frameworks: How to Break It Down\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- What Is Emotional Intelligence<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Feelings Word List<\/a>\n
- \n
- Anger Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Fear and Anxiety Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Sadness and Grief Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Joy and Happiness Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Love and Connection Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Surprise and Interest Words<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Emotion Recognition: How to Identify and Name Feelings<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Teach Emotion Words at Home<\/a><\/li>\n
- When Kids Struggle to Express Their Feelings<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What Are Emotion Words?<\/h2>\n
Emotion words are the simple vocabulary we use to describe our feelings, but don\u2019t let \u201csimple\u201d fool you.<\/p>\n
Though the words themselves are simple, the meaning is anything but. This lingo packs a massive punch for kids and teens.<\/p>\n
Why? Because the difference between mumbling \u201cI\u2019m fine\u201d and saying \u201cI feel anxious and left out\u201d can change the conversation (and the outcome) completely.<\/p>\n
Kids who can explain their feelings with specific words aren\u2019t just easier to talk to, but instead, are more likely to build deep friendships, perform well in school, and roll with life\u2019s ups and downs.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to take our word for it, either: children with strong emotional vocabularies<\/a> tend to outperform peers in both academics and social relationships.<\/p>\n
If a child can\u2019t describe their feelings, those emotions come out in some other way: usually, meltdowns, moodiness, or shutting down. Handing a kid the right feeling words gives them options and a sense of control, meaning it\u2019s the key difference between drowning in feelings and calmly riding the waves.<\/p>\n
Emotions vs. Feelings vs. Moods<\/h2>\n
These three words sound super similar, but here\u2019s how to keep them straight without needing a psych degree:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Emotions<\/strong> are your body\u2019s autopilot: the quick, instinctive reactions to stuff happening around you. Like when the dog barks and your heart jumps. Boom, that\u2019s emotion.<\/li>\n
- Feelings<\/strong> show up after your mind gets involved. That heartbeat? Now you\u2019re thinking, \u201cWhoa, I\u2019m startled!\u201d The sensation becomes a thought.<\/li>\n
- Moods<\/strong> are the background music to your day. They usually last way longer than a single emotion or feeling, and sometimes you don\u2019t even know why you\u2019re in one. (Ever had a grumpy day for no apparent reason? Yup, that\u2019s the mood.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Core Emotion Frameworks: How to Break It Down<\/h2>\n
Even scientists understand that emotions and feelings are a tangled mess, so they\u2019ve created models to organize everything. Here are some big ones you should know:<\/p>\n
Shaver\u2019s Emotion Hierarchy<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"emotion](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2026\/01\/Emotion-structure-based-on-Shaver-et-al-1987-p-1067.png\")
Emotion structure based on Shaver et al. (1987, p. 1067). Credit: researchgate.net<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n
Start broad, then zoom in. Six primary emotions (love, joy, surprise, anger, sadness, and fear) branch into more precise words (like \u201crage\u201d or \u201cresentment\u201d under anger), then even more refined words. It\u2019s like a family tree for feelings.<\/p>\n
Ekman\u2019s Basic Emotions<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"feelings](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2026\/01\/Examples-of-the-Ekman-Friesen-Pictures-of-Facial-Affect-used-in-the-computerized-task.png\")
Ekman\u2019s 6 basic emotions and corresponding facial expressions. Credit: researchgate.net<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n
Paul Ekman (the guy behind all those \u201cLie to Me\u201d TV shows) found six basics: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust. These are the building blocks for other feelings.<\/p>\n
Plutchik\u2019s Wheel<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"list](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2026\/01\/Plutchik-Model-600.webp\")
Credit: 6seconds.org<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n
Picture a color wheel, but for feelings. Eight main emotions (joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, anticipation), with combos that blend to make even more nuanced feelings. The closer you are to the center, the more intense the emotion (think \u201crage\u201d instead of just \u201cannoyed\u201d).<\/p>\n
What Is Emotional Intelligence<\/h2>\n
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is having a sixth sense for your own feelings and picking up on what others feel, too. And using emotion words is the secret sauce.<\/p>\n
Research backs it up<\/a>: Kids with higher EQ not only have better relationships, but they also cope with stress, study better, and are less likely to face depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what strong EQ brings kids:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Genuine, supportive friendships<\/li>\n
- Fewer tantrums and less drama<\/li>\n
- Better grades<\/li>\n
- Improved resilience when stuff falls apart<\/li>\n
- Lower anxiety and happier mental health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And it all starts with a good list of emotion words.<\/p>\n
Read more: What is Emotional Intelligence and How to Bring Up a Happy Child?<\/a><\/p>\n
The Feelings Word List<\/h2>\n
![\"list](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2026\/01\/Cute-face-emotions-vector-set-colorful-pastel-facial-expressions-clipart-1024x512.jpg\")
tqvinh9x \/ Freepik.com<\/p><\/div>\n
If you\u2019re looking for a cheat sheet to help you figure out where to start, we\u2019ve got a checklist for you. Here\u2019s a list of feeling words, sorted for easy reference. Print them out, stick them on the fridge, or use them next time your kid gets quiet (or enraged).<\/p>\n
Anger Words<\/h3>\n
Not all anger is the same. A \u201cgrumpy\u201d morning is different from a \u201cfurious\u201d meltdown. Help kids pick the right anger word for their situation.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\n\n
\n Emotion family<\/strong><\/td>\n Word<\/strong><\/td>\n Simple meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n Example sentence (kid-friendly)<\/strong><\/td>\n Intensity<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Aggravated<\/td>\n Feeling bothered again and again<\/td>\n \u201cI feel aggravated when my sister keeps touching my stuff.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Agitated<\/td>\n Restless and upset<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m agitated because I can\u2019t sit still before the test.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Annoyed<\/td>\n Slightly angry<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m annoyed that the game froze.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Bitter<\/td>\n Angry about something that feels unfair<\/td>\n \u201cHe felt bitter after losing even though he tried hard.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Cranky<\/td>\n Grumpy and easily upset<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m cranky because I didn\u2019t sleep well.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Cross<\/td>\n Mildly angry<\/td>\n \u201cShe was cross when her turn was skipped.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Disgusted<\/td>\n Strong dislike<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m disgusted by that smell!\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Enraged<\/td>\n Extremely angry<\/td>\n \u201cHe was enraged when someone broke his bike.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Exasperated<\/td>\n Tired of being annoyed<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m exasperated explaining this again.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Frustrated<\/td>\n Upset because something is hard<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m frustrated with this puzzle.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Furious<\/td>\n Very, very angry<\/td>\n \u201cShe was furious when her project got ruined.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Grumpy<\/td>\n In a bad mood<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m grumpy this morning.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Hostile<\/td>\n Mean and unfriendly<\/td>\n \u201cHe sounded hostile when he spoke.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Impatient<\/td>\n Upset about waiting<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m impatient for my turn!\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Indignant<\/td>\n Angry about unfairness<\/td>\n \u201cI felt indignant when they blamed me.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Irate<\/td>\n Extremely angry<\/td>\n \u201cDad was irate about the broken window.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Irritated<\/td>\n Slightly bothered<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m irritated by the noise.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Jealous<\/td>\n Wanting what someone else has<\/td>\n \u201cI felt jealous of her new shoes.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Mad<\/td>\n Angry<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m mad that he lied.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Outraged<\/td>\n Shocked and angry<\/td>\n \u201cShe was outraged by the rude comment.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Resentment<\/td>\n Quiet anger held inside<\/td>\n \u201cI felt resentment after being ignored.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anger<\/td>\n Spiteful<\/td>\n Wanting to hurt back<\/td>\n \u201cHe made a spiteful comment.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Fear and Anxiety Words<\/h3>\n
Fear keeps you safe from danger, but anxiety can sneak up and shadow you for days. Giving these feelings a name helps kids get a handle on them.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\n\n
\n Emotion family<\/strong><\/td>\n Word<\/strong><\/td>\n Simple meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n Example sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n Intensity<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Afraid<\/td>\n Feeling scared<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid of the dark.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Anxious<\/td>\n Worried about what might happen<\/td>\n \u201cI feel anxious before tests.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Apprehensive<\/td>\n Nervous about something coming<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m apprehensive about meeting new kids.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Concerned<\/td>\n Thinking something might be wrong<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m concerned about my friend.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Frightened<\/td>\n Suddenly scared<\/td>\n \u201cI was frightened by the loud noise.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Hesitant<\/td>\n Unsure and nervous<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m hesitant to jump in.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Nervous<\/td>\n Feeling shaky or uneasy<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m nervous before my speech.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Overwhelmed<\/td>\n Too much to handle<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m overwhelmed with homework.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Panicked<\/td>\n Very scared suddenly<\/td>\n \u201cI panicked when I lost my bag.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Scared<\/td>\n Feeling afraid<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m scared of that dog.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Stressed<\/td>\n Feeling pressured<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m stressed about school.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Terrified<\/td>\n Extremely scared<\/td>\n \u201cI was terrified in the storm.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Timid<\/td>\n Shy and scared<\/td>\n \u201cHe\u2019s timid in new places.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Uneasy<\/td>\n Slightly uncomfortable<\/td>\n \u201cI feel uneasy here.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Vulnerable<\/td>\n Feeling unprotected<\/td>\n \u201cI felt vulnerable being alone.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fear<\/td>\n Worried<\/td>\n Thinking about bad outcomes<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m worried about Mom.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Sadness and Grief Words<\/h3>\n
Sad, gloomy, or heartbroken\u2026these all describe loss or disappointment. Kids often need several tries to settle on what\u2019s really going on, so keep this list handy.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\n\n
\n Emotion family<\/strong><\/td>\n Word<\/strong><\/td>\n Simple meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n Example sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n Intensity<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Alone<\/td>\n Feeling without others<\/td>\n \u201cI felt alone at recess.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Ashamed<\/td>\n Feeling bad about yourself<\/td>\n \u201cI felt ashamed after lying.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Blue<\/td>\n A little sad<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m feeling blue today.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Dejected<\/td>\n Feeling let down<\/td>\n \u201cI felt dejected after losing.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Depressed<\/td>\n Very sad for a long time<\/td>\n \u201cHe felt depressed for weeks.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Despair<\/td>\n Feeling no hope<\/td>\n \u201cShe felt despair after the news.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Disappointed<\/td>\n Sad something didn\u2019t happen<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m disappointed it rained.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Discouraged<\/td>\n Losing confidence<\/td>\n \u201cI felt discouraged after failing.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Empty<\/td>\n Feeling nothing inside<\/td>\n \u201cI felt empty after moving.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Gloomy<\/td>\n Dark and sad mood<\/td>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a gloomy day.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Grief<\/td>\n Deep sadness after loss<\/td>\n \u201cShe felt grief after her pet died.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Guilty<\/td>\n Feeling bad for doing wrong<\/td>\n \u201cI feel guilty about yelling.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Heartbroken<\/td>\n Extremely sad<\/td>\n \u201cHe was heartbroken over his dog.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Hopeless<\/td>\n Feeling nothing will help<\/td>\n \u201cI felt hopeless after trying again.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Hurt<\/td>\n Feeling emotional pain<\/td>\n \u201cMy feelings were hurt.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Lonely<\/td>\n Feeling without friends<\/td>\n \u201cI feel lonely sometimes.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Melancholy<\/td>\n Quiet sadness<\/td>\n \u201cShe felt melancholy at sunset.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Mournful<\/td>\n Deep and quiet sadness<\/td>\n \u201cHe looked mournful.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Sad<\/td>\n Feeling unhappy<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m sad today.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Sorrowful<\/td>\n Very sad<\/td>\n \u201cShe looked sorrowful.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sadness<\/td>\n Upset<\/td>\n Disturbed emotionally<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m upset about the fight.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Joy and Happiness Words<\/h3>\n
Celebrate the good times, too! It\u2019s easy to forget to talk about positive feelings when life gets busy.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\n\n
\n Emotion family<\/strong><\/td>\n Word<\/strong><\/td>\n Simple meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n Example sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n Intensity<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Amused<\/td>\n Finding something funny<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m amused by that joke.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Blissful<\/td>\n >Extremely happy<\/td>\n \u201cI felt blissful at the beach.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Brave<\/td>\n Feeling strong inside<\/td>\n \u201cI was brave at the dentist.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Calm<\/td>\n Peaceful and relaxed<\/td>\n \u201cI feel calm now.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Cheerful<\/td>\n In a good mood<\/td>\n \u201cShe\u2019s cheerful today!\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Confident<\/td>\n Believing in yourself<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m confident I can try.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Content<\/td>\n Happily satisfied<\/td>\n \u201cI feel content here.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Delighted<\/td>\n Very pleased<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m delighted with my gift.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Ecstatic<\/td>\n Extremely excited<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m ecstatic about the trip!\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Elated<\/td>\n Very joyful<\/td>\n \u201cShe felt elated after winning.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Enthusiastic<\/td>\n Very interested<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m enthusiastic about art!\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Excited<\/td>\n Happy and eager<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited for my party!\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Glad<\/td>\n Happy something happened<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you came.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Happy<\/td>\n Feeling good<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy today.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Hopeful<\/td>\n Believing good will happen<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m hopeful for tomorrow.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Joyful<\/td>\n Full of joy<\/td>\n \u201cHe looked joyful.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Jubilant<\/td>\n Celebrating happily<\/td>\n \u201cWe were jubilant after winning!\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Optimistic<\/td>\n Expecting good things<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m optimistic about school.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Pleased<\/td>\n Feeling satisfied<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased with my work.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Proud<\/td>\n Happy about the achievement<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m proud of myself!\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Relieved<\/td>\n Happy stress is gone<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m relieved it\u2019s over.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Satisfied<\/td>\n Feeling enough<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m satisfied with that.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Joy<\/td>\n Thrilled<\/td>\n Very excited<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m thrilled about the trip!\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Love and Connection Words<\/h3>\n
We\u2019re wired for connection, and these words help kids talk about belonging, kindness, and acceptance.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n Emotion family<\/strong><\/td>\n Word<\/strong><\/td>\n Simple meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n Example sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n Intensity<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Accepted<\/td>\n Feeling welcomed<\/td>\n \u201cI feel accepted here.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Affectionate<\/td>\n Showing love<\/td>\n \u201cShe gave me an affectionate hug.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Appreciated<\/td>\n Feeling valued<\/td>\n \u201cI feel appreciated.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Attached<\/td>\n Feeling close<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m attached to my teddy.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Caring<\/td>\n Wanting to help<\/td>\n \u201cShe\u2019s very caring.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Close<\/td>\n Emotionally near<\/td>\n \u201cWe\u2019re close friends.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Compassionate<\/td>\n Feeling for others<\/td>\n \u201cHe\u2019s compassionate.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Connected<\/td>\n Feeling linked<\/td>\n \u201cI feel connected to my team.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Dedicated<\/td>\n Strongly committed<\/td>\n \u201cShe\u2019s dedicated to dance.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Devoted<\/td>\n Deeply loyal<\/td>\n \u201cHe\u2019s devoted to his dog.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Empathetic<\/td>\n Understanding feelings<\/td>\n \u201cShe\u2019s empathetic.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Friendly<\/td>\n Kind and open<\/td>\n \u201cHe\u2019s friendly to everyone.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n \u041bind<\/td>\n Gentle and helpful<\/td>\n \u201cShe\u2019s kind to me.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Love<\/td>\n Strong care<\/td>\n \u201cI love my family.\u201d<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Peaceful<\/td>\n Calm and safe<\/td>\n \u201cI feel peaceful here.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Safe<\/td>\n Feeling protected<\/td>\n \u201cI feel safe at home.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Secure<\/td>\n Feeling stable<\/td>\n \u201cI feel secure with you.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Supported<\/td>\n Feeling helped<\/td>\n \u201cI feel supported.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Thankful<\/td>\n Feeling grateful<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m thankful for you.\u201d<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Love<\/td>\n Trusting<\/td>\n Believing in others<\/td>\n \u201cI\u2019m trusting you.\u201d<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Surprise and Interest Words<\/h3>\n
Not all surprises are fun, but every surprise grabs attention. These words work for both good and not-so-good moments.<\/p>\n
\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n
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- Feelings<\/strong> show up after your mind gets involved. That heartbeat? Now you\u2019re thinking, \u201cWhoa, I\u2019m startled!\u201d The sensation becomes a thought.<\/li>\n
- Fear and Anxiety Words<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emotions vs. Feelings vs. Moods\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"feeling](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2026\/01\/White-office-desk-with-an-open-notebook-and-crumpled-paper-1024x683.jpg\")