TinyStepper

Feelings Face Game

At a glance: Show happy, sad, and angry faces — name each one and ask 'How does teddy feel?' A 8-minute, low-energy indoor activity for ages 20m–3y.

Built by a parent of toddlersBest for 20m-3y

Field-tested ideas shaped by direct parenting experience and advice from reputable sources, including NHS Best Start in Life and NSPCC child development research.

20m–3y8 minslow energyindoornone mess

Draw or find pictures of simple emotion faces: happy, sad, angry, surprised. Show each one and name it with a matching expression on your own face: 'This face is SAD. Look — sad!' Then hold up a teddy: 'How does teddy feel? Is teddy happy... or sad?' Let toddler point or say the word. Naming emotions is one of the most valuable vocabulary sets for toddlers — it gives them words for feelings they already have.

Best for this moment

for calmer, lower-pressure moments, especially when you need an indoor option.

Parent tip

Set out construction paper and stuffed animals before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

What success looks like

A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in emotional regulation.

More help for this situation

Instructions

Get ready
  • Draw 3 simple faces on paper: happy (smile), sad (frown), angry (V eyebrows)
  • Show the happy face: 'This is HAPPY! See the big smile?'
  1. Draw 3 simple faces on paper: happy (smile), sad (frown), angry (V eyebrows)
  2. Show the happy face: 'This is HAPPY! See the big smile?'
  3. Make a happy face yourself: 'I'm happy too!'
  4. Show the sad face: 'This face is SAD. Aww.'
  5. Hold up a teddy: 'How does teddy feel today?'
  6. Offer two faces for toddler to choose
  7. Name their choice: 'Teddy is HAPPY today!'

Why it helps

Emotion vocabulary is crucial for self-regulation — children who can name their feelings are better able to manage them. This bridge between language development and emotional regulation is why behaviour guides often recommend naming emotions. The game format makes emotional vocabulary playful rather than serious.

Variations

  • Make faces in a mirror together — 'Show me your happy face!'
  • Read a book about feelings and pause: 'How is the bear feeling?'
  • Connect to real moments: 'You're crying. You feel sad. That's okay.'

Safety tips

  • Keep it light and fun — don't dwell on the 'angry' or 'sad' faces.
  • If toddler gets upset looking at a sad face, move to happy immediately.
  • Use simple faces — not scary or exaggerated angry expressions.

When to pause and seek extra support

Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.

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