Words Of Emotion

Do you ever notice times when your child gets so frustrated, so confused, so... at a loss for words? Have you ever sat back and watched how well she/he can identify those emotions, those feelings, and try to put them into words? It may seem like a simple task, but it can often be very difficult for a child of six years, or one of sixteen, to express her feelings. For children with ADHD this problem is magnified, and can be disabling, causing emotional outbursts and bouts of rage.

Instead of giving way to anger and frustration, what a blessing it would be to have your child approach you and say, "Mom, I feel very anxious right now, can we talk?" Teaching children to associate their feelings and emotions with words is not an easy task, but with patience and persistence it can be done.

Starting a "personal dictionary" or "word journal" can be very beneficial for both you and your child. It is a project you can work on while spending quality time together and it will provide her with a tool she can use for the rest of her life.

Below is a list of words that name feelings and emotions. This is a good starting point, or perhaps you might prefer to start your own list. Choose two words a day, one positive and one negative. If your child does not know the definition of a word, have (or help) him look it up and write it in his word journal. This exercise will expand his ability to communicate, and in doing so he will gain a new awareness of the possibilities open to him.

How/what do you feel?

abusive, demanding, grief, lazy, peaceful, accepting, depressed, guilt, lively, poor, angry

dignified, happy, lonely, proud, annoyed, discouraged, hatred, lost, punished, anxious

empowered, helpful, loved, rage, beautiful, excited, helpless, loving, rejected, belligerent

fair, hopeless, mad, responsible, bitter, faithful, impatient, manipulative, secretive, bored

fearful, important, mistrust, selfish, bullied, frightened, insecure, moody, shamed, calm

frustrated, inspired, negative, timid, confident, glad, jealous, nice, tolerant, confused

good, joyful, obsessed, understand, controlled, grateful, judged, open, unforgiving,

creative, greedy, judgmental, panicked, worthy

The link below takes you to a site that provides true stories of children and adults with ADHD. Have your children read (or read to them) some of these personal accounts of the lives of others with ADHD. Point out words used to describe the emotions and feelings of the authors. It will show them that they do not struggle alone in their efforts to minimize the challenges of ADHD they encounter day in and day out.

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