If you’re parenting or teaching a child with ADHD, autism, or big emotions, you’ve probably heard this before:

“I don’t know.”
“I’m fine.”
Shrug.
Meltdown.

And you’re left thinking… What just happened?

The truth is, many neurodivergent kids feel deeply, but they don’t always have the language or regulation skills to explain what’s happening inside.

And when feelings stay stuck inside, they often come out sideways.

Why Emotional Expression Feels Hard for Kids

For many children, especially ADHD and sensory-sensitive kids:

• Emotions feel intense and fast

• Words don’t come easily in the moment

• They struggle to pause and reflect

• Talking feels like pressure

When adults ask, “What’s wrong?” it can actually increase stress.

That’s why indirect tools work better.

A Gentler Way: Visual Emotional Prompts

Instead of asking kids to explain their feelings verbally, try using visual emotional prompts.

Visuals:

• Lower pressure

• Give language options

• Make emotions concrete

• Invite reflection instead of interrogation

When kids can see an emotion, they can often recognize it in themselves.

How “Today I Feel…” Pages Help

Our Today I Feel… Emotional Prompts Pages were designed to make emotional reflection feel safe and creative.

Each printable page includes:

• An adorable animal expressing a specific emotion

• A simple “Today I feel…” prompt

• Space to draw or write

• Black-and-white designs kids can color

Coloring adds something powerful.

When kids color:

• Their nervous system slows down

• Their brain shifts from reactive to reflective

• Conversations happen more naturally

You’re not forcing them to talk.
You’re creating space for them to open up.

When to Use Emotional Prompt Pages

These pages work beautifully:

• During morning check-in

• After school decompression

• In calm corners

• During therapy or counseling

• Before bedtime reflection

• As part of homeschool routines

Even 5 minutes can change the tone of the day.

The Goal Isn’t Perfect Emotional Regulation

The goal isn’t to make kids “manage” emotions perfectly.

The goal is:

• Awareness

• Language

• Safety

• Practice

When kids can name what they feel, they can begin to navigate it.

And that’s where calm grows.

If you’re looking for a simple, printable way to build emotional vocabulary without pressure, the Today I Feel… Emotional Prompts Pages (20 Printable Pages) are a gentle place to start.

Because sometimes the most powerful support isn’t another lecture —
it’s a crayon and a quiet moment.