When Kids Are Feeling Like a Tornado

Big life events—moving houses, starting a new school, or even a family vacation—can stir up a swirl of emotions in children. Helping them voice what’s brewing inside can make the transition smoother, and it keeps the parents from feeling like an over‑grown rollercoaster operator. Below, we’ve put together a bunch of fun, practical activities that turn those clunky feelings into words, feelings, or even goofy art.

1. “Feelings Bingo”

Instead of scrolling forever on the tablet, grab a paper bingo card. Each square contains a simple emotion: Happy, Sad, Excited, Scared, and so on.

• Ask the child to pick a tile that matches how they feel that morning.
• Once they choose a tile, explain why it feels that way.
• When you get a full line, reward them with a small treat—like a sticker or an extra story time.

It’s a quick way to get kids talking without sounding like “let’s talk about feelings.”

2. The “Emotion T-Shirt” Hack

Have the kids pull a T‑shirt from the closet along with each day’s weather. They then explain why the shirt matches their mood. It’s silly but hits home: “I’m wearing sky‑blue today because I feel calm.”

3. Mime It!

Sometimes the words run out before the feelings do. Try “Let’s Act It Out” and let the child perform a short skit about their day. Encourage the use of exaggerated gestures. Then ask what the “character” is feeling and why.

4. “Draw Your World” Sessions

Give them a paper, a set of crayons, and a simple prompt: “Draw something that feels the same as your kitchen today.” Let the drawings talk. Once the pictures are finished, ask the child to describe what they drew and how it relates to their emotions.

5. “If I Were a Food” Game

What’s on a kid’s mind? Compare feelings to food. For example, “I feel like a chocolate cake after the move—sweet, but layered.” The next step: bring a real snack that matches and use it as a moment for discussion.

6. “The Gratitude Game”

At bedtime, ask “What made you smile in the last day?” This encourages positive emotions, especially useful during stressful transitions. The child can be as dramatic or relaxed as you feel comfortable.”

Wrap It Up: Keep It Light, Keep It Real

These playful activities help kids turn confusion into words, giving parents a window into what’s swirling inside. By picking whichever feels best, you maintain an open plus joyful space for emotions—a recipe that no school counselor should have to re‑invent. Try one new idea each week, and watch your little ones flourish like sunflower blossoms in new soil.

Activities That Help Children Express Feelings During Big Changes

Meet Rafael Gonzalez: The Rising Powerhouse of American Soccer

By June 17, 2025

From Barrio to Big‑League Dreams

Born in a tight‑knit neighborhood in the Bronx, Rafael Gonzalez grew up kicking a battered soccer ball around dusty streets. His love for the game was fueled by community matches and an older brother who was never content without a shin‑guard. Rafael’s natural talent shone early, but it was his relentless work ethic that drew attention from local scouts.

The Break‑through Years

• 2017–2018: College Spotlight – Rafael split time between the university’s varsity squad and a local semi‑pro club, finishing the season with 12 goals and 8 assists.
• 2019: Drafted by the Cincinnati Rapids in the MLS Super Draft, becoming the first player from his hometown to make a top‑tier roster.
• 2020–2021: In his sophomore season, he snagged Best Midfield Player honors and helped lead the team to the Conference Finals.

What Makes Rafael Truly Unique?

It’s not just his footwork. When you talk to him, he mixes straight‑forward ambition with a sprinkle of humor. “I’m just here to win,” he says, “but if I can make someone laugh along the way, that’s a bonus!” His on‑field charisma and off‑field positivity have earned him a loyal fan base called the Fandom Gonzo.

Future Outlook

With the next season on the horizon, Rafael is looking to:

1. Achieve a 30‑goal season – a feat that would place him among the league’s elite.
2. Launch a community program to mentor the next generation of young athletes.
3. Ponder becoming a coach‑right‑away – because experience is the best teacher.

Takeaway

From humble streets to the bright lights of professional stadiums, Rafael Gonzalez proves that grit, grit + a dash of humor can carry you far. Watch this space; you won’t want to miss what he does next.

What Happens to Kids When the Parents Split?

When your parents decide to go separate ways, it’s not just a timeline on a calendar—it’s a full‑blown emotional roller coaster. Kids often find themselves tangled in confusion, anxiety, or, worst of all, feeling like they’re the reason the parents are fighting. Those feelings are heavy, and honestly, it can be hard to turn them into something healthy.

The Real Deal About Emotion‑Processing

Research shows that kids who get a chance to talk, draw, or even dance about their feelings adjust better to the new family dynamics. Think of it like a mental clean‑up: you’re sweeping away the mess of uncertainty so healthy family rooms can be built.

Fun Ways to Get Those Emotions Out

• Emotion Charades – Act out how you feel and guess the feelings. It turns a confusing storm into a game.
• Storytime Rewrite – Take a favorite story and change the ending to reflect your new family setup. Creative writing instantly lightens the heaviness.
• “Mood” Color Chart – Pick a color for each emotion (blue for sad, red for angry, etc.) and flip through your daily feelings. A quick visual cue often makes the abstract concrete.
• Play “Safe Space” Box – Inside a shoebox, stash a hand‑held toy, a paper, or a small note you can write on when your mind’s in a storm. It’s like a private fortress in plain paper.
• Parent‑Unlock Mini‑Games – Parents spend a few minutes each week listing what’s changed, encouraging kids to share feelings. It’s a small routine that ops the emotional door open.

Quick Tips So Parents Aren’t the Only Ones Talking

Listen, don’t explain—let your child kick out the mystery. Share moments of normalcy: a family walk, a backyard pizza night, or a movie we all enjoy. Use humor to defuse tension—sometimes a goofy pillow fight can cover a heavy heart.

Bottom Line

By turning the waters of emotional turmoil into a playground of support, kids feel safe, seen, and empowered. That’s the best gift any family can give when the house finally gets rebuilt on a new foundation.

How Divorce Affects Children’s Emotional Health

When Divorce Hits the Family Circus: A Guide for Parents & Kids

How Kids React Depending on Their Age

Divorce feels a bit like a roller‑coaster ride for children – a mix of thrills and a few hair‑raising drops. The way each child copes often reflects their developmental stage and the support they receive.

Practical & Emotional Tactics to Keep the Family Stable

• Set a New Routine – Kids thrive on predictability. Even if the family’s shape has changed, the bedtime, snack time, and family chats stay the same.
• Open a “Feelings Drawer” – Let children put notes in a box whenever they’re frustrated or happy. It encourages emotional expression safely.
• Financial Planning Tools – Use budget apps or spreadsheets to keep finances organized. A clear financial plan reduces the parents’ stress, which echoes positively back on the kids.
• Keep the “School” Field Open – Talk to teachers about the change. A teacher can help detect subtle mood shifts or academic dips early.
• Review Sleep & Activity – Skipped naps, slumped nightly routines, or a sudden rise in anger can signal that the child needs extra reassurance.
• Encourage Social Outlets – Enroll in clubs or sports. Physical activity is a great counterbalance to emotional turbulence.

Real‑World Tips From Parents Who Got Through

“I started a ‘Thank‑You‑Note’ ritual after dinner,” says one parent. “They found joy in spotting the next note and booking more real smiles.”

For teens, another parent notes, “We put a ‘Feel‑Free‑To Talk’ corner in the living room,” turning a space of drama into a safe haven for open chats.

Bottom Line: The Emotional Roadmap After Divorce

When parents maintain clear routines, use practical financial tools, and allow kids to voice their feelings, the journey through divorce becomes less of a chaotic maze and more of a map with marked exits. With care, humor, and a bit of planning, families can navigate this chapter with resilience and a shared sense of humor.

Age-Appropriate Emotional Responses

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How Kids Feel About Divorce

When parents decide to split up, the youngest family members often express their confusion and hurt not through words, but through actions. Below we break down what you might see at different ages and what signs mean they need more help.

Preschoolers: Showing Feelings with Actions

• Clinginess – grabbing parents or stay‑behind at drop‑off.
• Tantrums – small outbursts over lost objects or misunderstandings.
• Reverting to old habits – thumb‑sucking or crib repairing.

At this stage, they simply can’t put their emotions into words; the only language they know is “behaviour.”

School‑Aged Kids: Questions and Reassurance

• Frequent questions about who will take them to school and where they’ll live.
• Worries about practical details – daily routines, rent, transportation.
• Need for clear explanations and a calm, consistent message that both parents care.

Tweens and Teens: The Inner Storm

• They may hide their pain behind a “fine” façade.
• Look for withdrawal, anger, or risky behaviour.
• Feel betrayal or fear what the future of relationships will look like.

When a Kid Needs Extra Support

Some reactions are normal, but certain behaviours call for extra attention:

• Prolonged depression or low mood.
• Talking about self‑harm or expressing hopelessness.
• Severe aggression or physical fights.
• Complete withdrawal from hobbies, friends, or school activities.

Recognize these red flags and reach out to a school counselor, therapist, or trusted adult. With the right help, a child can navigate the emotional turbulence of divorce and come out stronger on the other side.

Creative Activities That Help Children Process Change

Letting Artwork Speak for Your Child in a Divorce

When your little one can’t quite find the right words, swings, pencils, clay, and even a couch potato‑pizza‑no‑cooking‑pillow‑fight are ready to help them vent.

1⃣ Paint, Draw & Shape

• Grab a sketchbook: Family portraits become a visual diary of who’s who.
• Splash colors that match moods—feel blue? Make it literally blue.
• Clay: Shape those hidden feelings into a “feel‑buddy” you can touch.

For kids who can’t spell out a sentence, a picture does all the talking.

2⃣ Kid‑Friendly Journaling

• Older kids: A prompt like “Today I felt …why?” or “I wish my parents knew …whoops!” opens a private dialogue.
• That simple journal trick lets them wrestle with thoughts without a whisper‑or‑yodel.

3⃣ Puppet Therapy

Talk it out with a puppet. It’s less scary because the puppet says the stuff you dip in the deep‑end confusion pool.

• Anger? “Puppet, you can shout louder than me.”
• Sadness? “Puppet, let’s share a grape‑the‑sorrow‑like reaction.”

4⃣ Get Moving

• Happy dance-offs or spontaneous “super‑pillow” throw‑downs.
• Run around, break a breath, or just bounce with a blanket.
• Physical fun clears the headspace—no more emotional tug‑of‑wars.

Every activity feels like an action plan for the soul, making it easier for your child to keep their feelings in check while still having a blast.

Setting Up Successful Emotional Expression Sessions

Make Your Kid Feel Like a Rock Star

Kids spill the beans when the vibe is safe. If they’re fuming or feeling blue, a quick, “Hey, that’s totally fine,” does the trick. It tells them their emotions aren’t on the rejection list.

Set Up Your “Feel‑It‑Out” Routine

• Bedtime check‑ins: A quick chat before zzz’s gains trust.
• Saturday art jam: Let the creativity flow—no judgment, just colors.
• Keep the rules simple: No blame, just listening.

Supply‑Kit Fun

Don’t build your kid’s creative sanctuary out of procrastination. Have paper, markers, puppets, and journals right at the ready. Instant goodies = instant feelings‑flow.

How to Listen Like a Zen Master

• Escape the “problem‑solver” mode.
• Grab your pillow, sit cross‑legged, and just listen.
• Let the conversation drift; a solution isn’t always required.

Bottom Line

When your kid knows you’re there for the feel‑stuffs—not just the ticket‑solving—they’ll keep laying down the truth. Sometimes, the best answer is simply, “I’m here.”

Financial Changes and How to Explain Them to Children

Talking to Your Kids About Divorce – Easy & Honest Guide

Parents, when the curtain of family life begins to shift, children are the ones who feel the tremors first. Here’s a quick, low‑stress way to get them on board, using plain talk, drawings, and a dash of humor.

Start with the Simple Truth

• For Little Ones: Say, “We’re going to have two cozy homes now. Both are just as comfy as one.” Keep it like a bedtime story—no big word drama.
• For Older Kids: Invite questions. “Feel free to ask anything; I’m here to answer, no matter how weird it sounds.” The honest answer goes a long way in easing the ‘what‑ifs’ that scare them.

Visuals Make It Tangible

Grab a sketchpad or a bottle of markers and build a tiny “new house” model. Kids love hands‑on models; it helps them see the change instead of feeling it as a loss.

Talk Money Without the Puke

It’s easy to think of divorce as a financial loss, but reframing it can calm worries:

• Focus on new priorities, like ensuring each child can have holidays at both homes.
• Acknowledge that some bills will shift, but overall, the goal is to keep the kids safe and happy.

Get the Numbers Straight

Before you sit down with your kids, use a divorce settlement calculator to get the numbers in clear sight. Stowe Family Law offers a handy tool that lays out what the new financial picture could look like. Having that information upfront lets you reassure kids with facts, not guesswork.

Wrap It Up with Reassurance

End each conversation with a simple promise: “We’re both working together to give you the best life possible in both rooms.” When kids see that you’re in the same team, the future feels a lot less scary.

Hope this walkthrough helps you keep the dialogue smooth, light, and sincere. Kids will thank you for the honesty—and you’ll avoid those dreaded “what‑now” moments that can feel like a tug‑of‑war.

Building New Family Traditions After Separation

New Rituals to Keep Kids Connected After Separation

Pis’ and ma’ may have gone their separate ways, but that doesn’t mean the kids are left in the dark. By weaving simple yet meaningful rituals into their lives, parents can anchor their children’s feelings of safety and belonging.

What are “New Rituals”?

Think of activities that both parents can share effortlessly, even with different schedules:

• ⏰ Friday Film Nights – cue the popcorn, pick a movie together, and let the fun start on the same weekend each week.
• Sunday Pancake Breakfasts – swap pancakes, swap stories, swap laughter.
• Memory Books – a page for each home filled with photos, notes, and little anecdotes that remind kids of both sides.

These bright spots give kids something to look forward to and help cement the feeling that both parents are present in their world.

Why Routines Matter

Predictability is key for a child’s emotional balance. When both homes agree on simple things like:

• Bedtime – a set routine keeps the day consistent.
• Homework Expectations – clarity in expectations reduces confusion.

the little ones experience less anxiety and can settle into changes with minimal distress.

Keeping the Lines Open

Open communication is more than just passing the phone: it’s about sharing the stories. Parents can nod and say, “Did you see that? That’s on my side!” When children hear these in real time, they feel reassured that every relationship matters.

By embedding predictable rhythms, shared hobbies, and heartfelt talks, families craft a safety net that keeps children grounded and connected, no matter how the homes split.

Co-Creating Family Agreements

Let Kids Take the Wheel: Simple Ways to Involve the Whole Family

Ever feel like your household rules are a one‑way street? The trick is to open the doors for your little ones and let them steer the conversation. When children help set up simple routines, it boosts their sense of belonging and keeps the whole family from feeling like a chaotic circus.

1. Quick‑fire Family Huddles

• Plan the Weekend: Set a 5‑minute meet‑up every Sunday to brainstorm the weekend’s fun and chores.
• Talk Rules: When a new rule pops up—like “Clean your room before dessert”—give kids a voice and let them tweak the wording.
• Make It Fun: Toss in a joke or a round of “Dad’s Favorite Dad Joke” to keep spirits high.

2. Portable Visual Guides

• Branded Color Sheets: Create a color‑coded chart that travels between bedrooms, countertops, or even cars—step 1 = blue, step 2 = yellow, step 3 = green.
• Stick‑on Timer: A simple stopwatch can let kids decide how long to spend on each activity without feeling micromanaged.
• “What’s My Day?” Lists: Use a laminated list that kids can flip through and tick off as they finish tasks.

3. Light‑Hearted Preference Tools

• Shared Journal: A family notebook where kids jot down favorites or suggestions—like “Add a pizza night!”
• Rating System: A 1‑to‑5 “likelihood” meter lets kids indicate how excited they are about new ideas without having to decide the final call.
• Ask—Don’t Tell: Encourage kids to say, “I feel like I’d love to try this” instead of “I need to—” so the conversation stays supportive.

4. Build Trust, One Conversation at a Time

When kids feel safe to voice their needs, the family’s stress drops—think of it as a vibe check for the home. The key? Listen actively, laugh often, and remember that rules should be a two‑way street.

Bottom Line

By letting kids help decide daily routines and open meeting scenes, families can transform routine chores into choose‑your‑own adventure—complete with humor, emotion, and a whole lot of teamwork.

Recommended Resources for Ongoing Support

Keeping Kids Grounded When the House Splits

When a family pulls apart, it can feel like the entire world tips over. But a few gentle stories and a few handy tools can help kids—and parents—feel far less lost.

Books that Turn Big Tensions into Simple Talk

• “Two Homes” by Claire Masurel – Perfect for the younger crew who need a calm, reassuring map of what living in two places looks like.
• “Divorce Is Not the End of the World” by Zoe & Evan Stern – Ideal for those older children who are already starting to put the pieces together.

Both titles give kids honest language to explain change and give them real-life scenarios that feel a little less scary.

Connecting Through Communities

When the tears don’t stop, knowing someone else has the same story can do wonders.

• Gingerbread – A friendly place where parents and kids can swap tips and give each other the “you’re not alone” hug.
• ChildLine & NSPCC – Confidential helplines that let children vent and find support without awkward family conversations.

Digital Fix‑Ups for the Parent Power‑Up

Keeping schedules straight can be a game‑changer for everyone, so here are a couple of techy lifesavers.

• OurFamilyWizard – A shared calendar that makes sure both homes know when the next dentist appointment or school trip is.
• ParentMail – Helps scribble quick messages, updates and reminders so that nobody misses a beat.

Syncing this way means less “Did my other mom just tell you” moments and more “Everything’s on track” feel‑good vibes. So read a book, join a group, and bring the apps into play to keep the kids smiling as smoothly as the split can be managed.