Research-based ideas
to help kids thrive
Feelings List for Parents
Sharing feelings helps to create empathy, which then helps you to uncover each person's needs.
When you're new to sharing feelings, try to use words on this list (which are organized approximately from least to most intense). If you use words that aren't on this list you're likely to name 'fake feelings.' "I feel criticized" and "I feel attacked" are not feelings, they're judgments of the other person's behavior.
When you're new to sharing feelings, try to use words on this list (which are organized approximately from least to most intense). If you use words that aren't on this list you're likely to name 'fake feelings.' "I feel criticized" and "I feel attacked" are not feelings, they're judgments of the other person's behavior.
List of feelings when needs are met
AFFECTIONATE
Friendly
Openhearted
Tender
Warm
Loving
Compassionate
ENGAGED
Alert
Curious
Absorbed
Alert
Curious
Absorbed
HOPEFUL
Encouraged
Optimistic
Encouraged
Optimistic
CONFIDENT
Open
Safe
Proud
Empowered
EXCITED
Surprised
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Invigorated
Passionate
Vibrant
Surprised
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Invigorated
Passionate
Vibrant
GRATEFUL
Appreciative
Thankful
Touched
Appreciative
Thankful
Touched
INSPIRED
Wonder
Awed
Wonder
Awed
JOYFUL
Happy
Pleased
Amused
Glad
Jubilant
Happy
Pleased
Amused
Glad
Jubilant
EXHILARATED
Elated
Enthralled
Radiant
Thrilled
Elated
Enthralled
Radiant
Thrilled
PEACEFUL
Calm
Clearheaded
Comfortable
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Relaxed
Relieved
Satisfied
Calm
Clearheaded
Comfortable
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Relaxed
Relieved
Satisfied
REFRESHED
Rested
Renewed
Enlivened
Rested
Renewed
Enlivened
List of feelings when needs are not met
CONFUSED
Hesitant
Ambivalent
Bewildered
Lost
Hesitant
Ambivalent
Bewildered
Lost
DISCONNECTED
Distracted
Bored
Cold
Indifferent
Detached
Numb
Withdrawn
Resentful
UNEASY
Restless
Startled
Surprised
Uncomfortable
Agitated
Troubled
Alarmed
Rattled
Upset
Shocked
YEARNING
Wistful
Longing
Envious
Jealous
Wistful
Longing
Envious
Jealous
EMBARRASSED
Self-conscious
Flustered
Ashamed
Guilty
FATIGUED
Tired
Sleepy
Depleted
Exhausted
Burnt out
PAIN
Hurt
Lonely
Miserable
Regretful
Remorseful
Grief
Heartbroken
Agony
ANGER
Peeved
Disgruntled
Irritated
Aggravated
Annoyed
Incensed
Outraged
Furious
TENSE
Anxious
Cranky
Distressed
Irritable
Nervous
Worried
Wary
Dread
Afraid
Panicked
Defensive
Overwhelmed
Stressed out
Terrified
VULNERABLE
Fragile
Sensitive
Exposed
Guarded
Reserved
Insecure
Helpless
SAD
Unhappy
Heavyhearted
Disappointed
Discouraged
Hopeless
Dejected
Despair
Unhappy
Heavyhearted
Disappointed
Discouraged
Hopeless
Dejected
Despair
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© Jen Lumanlan 2024 - All Rights Reserved
Your Parenting Mojo acknowledges the Lisjan Ohlone people, the rightful stewards of the land on which we live and work. While the Lisjan Ohlone people can never be fully compensated for the harms that the legacy of colonialism has wrought, we pay the Shuumi Land Tax as recognition that more than words are needed, and we encourage others to engage meaningfully (including financially) with their local Indigenous communities.