What simple feeling faces chart can we point to instead of words? 

Parenting Perspective 

Sometimes, children do not have the words to explain what is happening inside them. A feeling faces chart can offer a gentle, visual shortcut that allows them to point instead of speak, bridging the gap between silence and speech. For younger children, or for those who tend to freeze when asked direct questions, a visual guide can make expression feel easier, faster, and much safer. 

Why Visuals Can Be More Effective Than Words 

Emotions are often felt in the body before they can be articulated by the tongue. When children feel overwhelmed, a question like, ‘How do you feel?’ can seem impossible to answer. When you show them a chart of simple drawings, they do not have to find the word; they only need to recognise the feeling. This helps to lower their stress and invites a more honest response. Visual tools also normalise a variety of emotions, showing children that sadness, worry, or anger are not ‘bad’, but are simply feelings with names and faces. 

Keeping the Chart Simple and Clear 

A good feelings chart does not need dozens of options. Six to eight clear, expressive faces are usually enough. It is helpful to include the main emotional families: 

• Happy (smiling, bright eyes) 

• Sad (downturned mouth, teary eyes) 

• Angry (furrowed brows, tight lips) 

• Scared (wide eyes, small mouth) 

• Tired (drooping eyelids, flat mouth) 

• Worried (a slight frown, unsure eyes) 

• Calm (a soft smile, relaxed face) 

• Excited (an open smile, raised eyebrows) 

You can draw these faces by hand or print a chart and place it somewhere it can be easily reached, such as on the fridge or in a designated calm-down corner. 

How to Introduce the Chart Naturally 

It is best to start during calm, relaxed times, not in the middle of a distressing moment. Sit with your child and say, ‘Sometimes it is hard to say how we feel. Let us use this chart to help us point instead.’ You can explain each face briefly and use it in a playful way to build familiarity: ‘Which face looks like you when you are feeling really happy?’ This helps the chart to feel friendly, not clinical. 

Using the Chart During Big Emotions 

When emotions are running high, you can calmly point to the chart instead of asking direct questions. You might say, ‘Can you show me which face fits how you are feeling right now?’ If they point to a face, you can respond softly, ‘Thank you. That helps me to understand.’ You can then add the language for them: ‘You are pointing to the angry face. That makes sense. Sometimes our bodies feel hot when we are angry.’ This models emotional vocabulary gently, teaching them words through recognition rather than interrogation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam values an awareness of one’s emotions as a part of our spiritual discipline. Knowing our own inner state allows us to respond with patience (sabr) and wisdom (hikmah). Helping your child to name their feelings visually is a form of nurturing ihsan, which is excellence in character and an awareness of the heart’s condition. 

Recognising Inner States in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 53: 

‘And inform My servants that they should speak in only the politest manner (when they speak to the extremists in disbelief); indeed, Satan is (always ready for) infusing anarchy between them, as indeed, Satan is the most visible enemy for mankind.’ 

This verse reminds us that understanding and managing our emotions helps to protect our relationships. By helping a child to identify their feelings early, you can prevent harsh words later. Teaching awareness through simple visuals guides them toward a gentler form of expression, helping them to say ‘that which is best.’ 

The Prophet’s ﷺ Awareness of Emotional Expression 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 625, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer is not one who taunts, curses, speaks obscenely, or utters foul language.’ 

This hadith shows that emotional awareness and restraint are deeply intertwined. The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modelled a thoughtful form of communication, expressing his own feelings with grace, not with harm. When you help your child to identify their emotions by using a feelings chart, you are teaching this same prophetic balance: how to recognise anger or sadness without letting it spill over into hurtful speech. 

A simple feelings chart may seem like a small tool, but it can reshape the way your family communicates. It can turn a feeling of overwhelm into one of clarity, and a difficult silence into a moment of understanding. 

Over time, your child will learn that their emotions are not problems to be hidden, but signals to be noticed. In those small moments of pointing to a face, a shared glance of empathy, you will see something sacred unfold: a growing ability to name, manage, and honour their feelings with the same gentleness that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught through his calm and compassionate way.