As a counselor I’m always looking for good books on feelings. One of my favorites has been Glad Monster, Sad Monster. The kids equally enjoy this book – particularly that the pages tear out and has a mask depicted on the tear-out page (see photo). This allows the children to actually put the mask up to their face and express when they are likely to be angry, sad or glad. In developing social competency skills, Dr. Saarni suggests that eight skills are needed with one of them being: Feeling in control and accepting of one’s own emotional experiences.
So when I read this book to children, I change the language from “Say what makes you angry” to “what angers you.” Although it may sound like a subtle difference – it’s actually significant. It gives the responsibility of the emotion to the client – and indicates that the child has a choice. This in itself can be empowering. We all like choices. Children are no exception.
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