Having simple coping choices displayed in one place can help children pause, name what they feel and choose a next step when emotions start to feel too big. The poster uses child-friendly language around feelings such as happy, sad, angry, worried, scared and calm, making it suitable for younger children and primary school-aged kids who are learning emotional literacy, self-regulation and coping skills.
The layout follows a clear six-step route: understand feelings, talk to someone trusted, use coping tools, practise positive thoughts, ask for help and keep going. It reinforces the message that all feelings are OK, while gently separating feelings from behaviour by reminding children that what matters is how they handle those feelings.
Practical coping ideas are shown as simple visual prompts, including taking deep breaths, counting to 10, hugging a teddy, drawing or colouring, listening to music, moving the body, drinking water and taking a break. These options make the printable feelings poster useful for parents, carers, social workers, family support workers, teachers, school counsellors and therapists supporting children with anxiety, anger, worry, sadness or emotional overwhelm.
The affirmations in the ‘Pit Stop Reminders’ area add a nurturing element, with messages such as ‘I am strong’, ‘I am enough’ and ‘It’s OK to rest’. It could be printed for a calm corner, therapy room, classroom display, bedroom wall, foster care setting or session folder, especially when working with children who benefit from visual reminders rather than lengthy explanations.
Bright road-themed illustrations and labelled emotion faces make the ideas easy for children to recognise and revisit independently. The poster is particularly suited to early intervention work, social and emotional learning, wellbeing displays, child mental health support and family conversations about managing big feelings. Created by Edita Stiborova.
