What Makes You Feel Happy?

Every day in April, I’ll be posting a video about one of the questions in my guide, (Over) 100 Questions To Ask Your Kids About Sexuality. The guide is free and if you don’t have it, you can get it by clicking here. We’ve haven’t asked our preschoolers a question since the first day of this series. So here’s a fun one for them: “What makes you feel happy?”

VIDEO

It’s such a simple question, but learning to identify feelings and where those feelings come from can really help kids express themselves and their needs now, and as they grow up.

This is also a way for us to let kids know that the people, place and things that bring us joy and pleasure are valuable. Of course, we’re not talking about anything sexual at this stage. We’re just helping them to pay attention to the things that feel make them good.

This “conversation” can be a simple naming of things:

• Ice cream
• Pet
• Best friend
• Favourite family member
• TV show or movie
• Going to the park
• Playing a favourite game
• Hugs

Or anything that your preschooler likes, loves or enjoys. You can even take turns. First, you name something that makes you happy and then let them try.

Chatting about happy things might also give you some ideas about what you can do the next time you want to make your little person smile. For example, if your preschooler says they love turtles, you could plan a special trip to the library to look at books about turtles. This is an opportunity to build on the connection you have with your child and teach them that joy, pleasure and care are all important aspects of a positive relationship.

If you have any comments or further questions about the topic, leave me a comment below. If you’re interested in booking a workshop or a personal coaching session, please get in touch here.