Feelings & Needs

🌈 What is the purpose of the Feelings & Needs toolkit?

 

This toolkit helps children notice and share what they’re feeling — and what their body might need next.
It offers a calm, visual, speech‑optional way to express inner experiences without pressure to explain or justify.
It also helps adults respond with care, curiosity, and attunement rather than correction.

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⏳ When should I use this tool?

Use it before transitions, after tricky moments, or during a daily check‑in.
It’s especially helpful when a child feels overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected from themselves.
There is no “right time” — it’s simply there when the child is ready.

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🫧 Does the child need to talk to use this tool?

No.
The toolkit is designed to be speech‑optional.
Children can point, tap, choose, or simply sit with the cards.
Silence is welcome.
The goal is to honour their communication style, not require verbal explanations.

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🪶 How do I introduce the cards without adding pressure?

Offer the cards gently and let the child lead.
You might say, “You can choose one if you want,” or simply place them nearby.
Avoid questions like “Why do you feel that?” or “Why do you need that?”
The card itself is the communication.

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🔍 What does it mean when a child chooses a feeling or a need?

Each choice offers a small window into their inner world.
It’s not a diagnosis or a fixed truth — just a gentle clue about what might be happening inside.
The child’s lived experience always comes first.

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🤲 How should I respond when a child chooses a card?

Respond with presence, not analysis.
If they choose a feeling, acknowledge it softly.
If they choose a need, meet it where possible.
If they choose both, honour the pairing.
The goal is to support, not interpret.

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🌱 What if a child chooses a feeling or need I didn’t expect?

That’s completely valid.
Feelings and needs don’t follow rules — a child may feel silly and still need space, or feel sad and need movement.
Their choice simply shows what feels supportive in that moment.

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🌈 Can I use this tool with neurodivergent children?

Yes — it was created with autistic and ADHD children in mind.
The cards support sensory needs, emotional regulation, and non‑verbal communication.
They are also helpful for any child who benefits from visual, gentle, low‑demand tools.

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🏫 Can this tool be used in schools, clinics, or therapy settings?

Absolutely.
It works well in classrooms, therapy rooms, waiting areas, and home environments.
It supports co‑regulation, emotional literacy, and child‑led communication across settings.

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🧩 What if a child chooses multiple cards?

That’s completely valid.
Feelings and needs are layered — a child may feel cross and tired, or need quiet and closeness.
Multiple choices simply show a fuller picture of what supports them.

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🤝 How does this toolkit support co‑regulation?

Many cards reflect a need for presence, proximity, or gentle connection.
Adults can support co‑regulation by offering calm, predictable, non‑intrusive presence.
The toolkit helps adults recognise when connection — not conversation — is what the child needs.

 

 

🛋️ What if the child chooses a need that isn’t available right now?

Acknowledge the need warmly and offer the closest available option.
Children feel safer when their need is recognised, even if the exact support can’t happen immediately.