How can I help my child notice feelings in their body? 

Parenting Perspective 

Your Body is a Messenger 

Many children struggle to connect what is happening in their heart with what they feel in their body. They might say ‘I feel bad’ but not know why, or they might have tummy aches or headaches that come from hidden worry or anger. Teaching your child to notice how feelings show up physically helps them to understand themselves better and to calm down before their emotions become overwhelming. Use gentle words: ‘Our body is like a friend that tells us what we feel inside.’ 

Practice and Praise 

Practise naming these clues together. Ask, ‘When you feel worried, does your tummy hurt? When you feel angry, do your fists get tight?’ You can use simple games or draw an outline of a body and colour in where certain feelings show up. Remind your child that these signs are not bad or scary; they are signals we can listen to. Help your child find small tools to calm their body, such as deep breaths, squeezing a pillow, moving to a quieter space, or saying, ‘My body feels tense; I need a break.’ Praise them when they share what they notice, no matter how small. Over time, these gentle habits teach your child that their body is not working against them; it is guiding them towards understanding and balance. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that every part of our body is a trust from Allah Almighty, even the ways it signals our feelings. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity….’ 

Remind your child that Allah Almighty knows what their body holds, from tight shoulders to a racing heart, and that He never leaves them alone with it. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Dua is worship.’ 

Encourage your child to make a gentle prayer when their body feels heavy with emotions: ‘Ya Allah, help my heart and body feel calm.’ This simple Dua teaches them that noticing feelings in their body is not something to fear; it is a sign of being aware and trusting that Allah Almighty cares for every heartbeat. By linking this to their faith, you help your child to listen to their body with kindness and courage, knowing that every feeling is seen and guided by their Merciful Lord.