At The Feelings Hotel, all kinds of emotions check in. Big ones, little ones, and even the tricky ones that don’t have a name yet. Every feeling has a room there, and every feeling matters.
So come on in! Let’s meet the guests and see what happens when we welcome our feelings in.
You may like: What are Emotions? {+ Free Feelings List}
How can naming feelings help you to relax?
“When you name a feeling, your brain helps your body feel calmer.” Our brains and bodies are connected. When we feel big emotions like anger, fear, or worry, our bodies get ready for action. Our heart beats faster, our muscles get tight, and we might feel shaky or hot.
This is called the stress response – like when your body gets ready to run or protect itself.
But guess what? When you name what you’re feeling. Like “I’m sad” or “I feel nervous” – your brain says, “Okay, now I understand what is happening!” And that can help to turn off the body’s alarm system.
Your heart slows down, your muscles start to relax, and your breathing becomes easier. This is called the relaxation response.
Listen, Relax and Create with The Feelings Hotel
Follow the Listen, Relax, and Create steps below. Combine The Feelings Hotel story with mindfulness and creative activities. Welcome all your feelings in, in fun and playful ways.
- LISTEN: Teaching Kids Relaxation Skills Through Stories
- RELAX: Mindfulness and Relaxation Skills for Kids
- CREATE: Relaxation Through Creativity
1. Listen – Spark the Imagination
Start by reading The Feelings Hotel aloud together or listening to the read along story below. Let the characters guide you through different feelings that check into the hotel. You can buy The Feelings Hotel book here!
Encourage your child to notice:
- When they’ve felt something similar
- What each feeling looks like
- What it might sound like
Let your child know that all feelings are welcome — just like in the hotel.
2. Relax – Mindful Breathing
After the story, take a mindful pause.
Invite your child to sit or lie down in a quiet spot. Ask them to close their eyes if they feel comfortable. Then, they can try the The Breathing Bell – Mindful Breathing Exercise.
Afterwards check in and see how you are feeling and use my free printable Fuzzy Feelings Emotion Cards.
3. Create – Relaxation through Crafts
Now it’s time to get creative! Try these activities below:
Make an Easy Paper Plate Feelings Craft – Invite children to choose a feeling and create their own paper plate version.
Design a room for it in The Feelings Hotel – Let your child choose a feeling they want to explore, and invite them to draw, paint, collage, or even build it with blocks or craft supplies. Ask:
- What color is the room?
- What’s inside?
- What helps the feeling feel comfortable here?
Squish Play Dough and try out ‘My Many Coloured Days’ Playdough Feelings Activity
Create a Feelings Guestbook -a little journal or notebook where they can draw or write about feelings that visit them each day.
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