Free Printable 36 Emotions Chart for Kids

Free printable 36 emotions chart for kids with growth mindset tools

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The Problem with "Good" and "Bad" Feelings

As an emotional anchor for your child, the most powerful tool you can give them is a wide emotional vocabulary. When we label feelings like anger or sadness as "bad," we unintentionally teach our kids to hide them.

In our house, we don’t use "positive" and "negative." Instead, we talk about Comfort and Energy.

The 4-Quadrant Emotion Map

This 6x6 printable organizes 36 emotions into four zones to help your 3-7 year old identify the "fizz" in their body before it becomes a storm.

1. High Energy & Uncomfortable (Top Left)

These are the "spicy" feelings that move fast. From Angry and Frustrated to feeling Restless, these emotions tell us our body is trying to protect us.

(Big, loud, or "spicy" feelings)

  • Angry (The classic "fire" feeling)
  • Frustrated (When things don't work "yet")
  • Anxious (Tummy butterflies that feel tight)
  • Annoyed (A little prickly)
  • Panicked (Everything feels too fast)
  • Jealous (Wanting what someone else has)
  • Yell-y (When my voice wants to be loud)
  • Overwhelmed (Too much going on at once)
  • Restless (My body can’t stay still)

2. High Energy & Comfortable (Top Right)

These are the "sunny" feelings that feel bright. From Happy and Silly to being Curious, these emotions are our "go" signals for play and learning.

(Bright, bubbly, and "sunny" feelings) 

  • Happy (The classic sunshine feeling)
  • Excited (I can’t wait for what’s next!) 
  • Silly (I want to giggle and wiggle) 
  • Proud (I worked hard and did it!) 
  • Brave (I can do hard things) 
  • Curious (I want to learn how this works)
  • Energetic (Ready to run and play!) 
  • Loved (A warm, fuzzy hug feeling) 
  • Playful (Ready to imagine and create)

3. Low Energy & Uncomfortable (Bottom Left)

These are the "heavy" feelings that move slow. From Sad and Lonely to feeling Ashamed, these emotions tell us we need a rest, a hug, or a repair.

(Heavy, slow, or "blue" feelings)

  • Sad (The heavy heart feeling)
  • Lonely (Wishing for a friend or a hug)
  • Bored (Nothing feels interesting right now)
  • Tired (My battery is very low)
  • Disappointed (When things didn't go as planned)
  • Shy (Wanting to hide behind a grown-up)
  • Hurt (Both inside feelings or outside ouchies)
  • Gloomy (Like a rainy day inside)
  • Ashamed (Feeling "small" after a mistake)

4. Low Energy & Comfortable (Bottom Right)

These are the "steady" feelings that feel safe. From Calm and Peaceful to being Grateful, this is our "rest and digest" zone where the best connection happens.

(Steady, safe, and "quiet" feelings) 

  • Calm (My body feels like a still lake) 
  • Peaceful (Everything is okay right now) 
  • Relaxed (My muscles feel like noodles) 
  • Content (I have exactly what I need) 
  • Safe (The "Sturdy Pilot" is with me) 
  • Sleepy (Ready for a cozy rest) 
  • Thoughtful (I’m thinking big thoughts) 
  • Patient (I can wait with a quiet heart) 
  • Grateful (Thinking of things I love)

Taking Emotional Vocabulary Beyond the Chart

Identifying feelings on an emotions chart is a powerful first step, but real regulation happens when children learn what to do with those feelings once named. Pair your free printable with our growth mindset journal for kids to help your child bridge the gap between naming an emotion and working through it. Using a daily 5-minute somatic framework, children take the feelings identified on this chart and apply proven ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) grounding techniques to process big feelings with confidence.

free printable 36 emotions chart for kids with growth mindset tools

Build a Daily Regulation Routine

Keep your 36 emotions chart at eye level in your child's calm down corner, bedroom, or learning space. When you notice your child experiencing a spike in frustration or anxiety, invite them to point to what they are feeling without judgment. To turn this moment into a lasting habit, follow up with our daily feelings and mindset journal for kids. Guided prompts help kids explore where those 36 emotions show up in their body, helping them build somatic awareness, drop the struggle with tough moments, and foster long-term emotional resilience.
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Therapist-Approved Kid's Journal

Catherine Divaris, OT, Emotional Regulation Coach, Mom Potential

I was genuinely impressed by the Pebble Path Journal from the moment I opened it.

The overall visuals are clean, calm, and incredibly inviting. As an occupational therapist and Emotional regulation coach, who cares deeply about how nervous-system-friendly design impacts engagement, I immediately appreciated how soothing and uncluttered it feels. It’s not overstimulating, it’s grounding.

The characters are especially well done. They’re engaging, child-friendly, and simple in the best way. I love that there are only three characters. That simplicity makes it easier for children to follow along, understand, and build familiarity without cognitive overload.

One of my favorite elements is the visual of the path itself. It’s such a powerful and accessible metaphor for children, that we are walking a path, not reaching a destination. The skills they practice (breathing, mindfulness, emotional awareness) aren’t one-time fixes. They’re tools we use along the road. The path imagery makes that concept tangible and developmentally appropriate.

My twins are almost five and not yet writing independently, but the journal is still very user-friendly. It invites parent-child connection, sitting together, talking through big feelings, writing alongside them, and modeling the skills in real time.

The coloring pages are engaging, the daily check-ins are motivating, and the varied activities keep it fresh and interesting. It doesn’t feel repetitive, which is so important for young children.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend the Pebble Path Journal as a supportive tool for parents navigating big emotions with their children. It creates structure, connection, and skill-building in a way that feels gentle and accessible.

Such a thoughtful resource.

Allie McQuaid, LCPC, PMH-C

This book is such an important and age appropriate way to start the conversation with your young kids about feelings and managing your emotions. As a therapist, who works with anxious kids and families, being able to provide them with resources that kids enjoy engaging with is a great way to develop new skills such as mindfulness and deep breathing. Highly recommend!!

Tree House Therapy, LLC.

Lindsay Victor, LPC

As a Licensed Counselor and a mom of 3, I can't say enough good things about this journal! It builds foundational emotional skills that help children identify their emotions, practice gratitude and learn tools to regulate their big feelings. And the best part is that my 3 and 4 year old are genuinely so excited to use it nightly! These tools are backed by science yet fun enough that your kids will actually want to stick with it!

The Pebble Path Journals