Figuring out emotions and communicating them are key components in every situation. Starting early by finding the right way to share emotions is a life skill that is necessary to be successful in everyday life and relationships. This will help increase the value of relationships with family, friends, teachers, coworkers, and even yourself. Teaching kids how to share their feelings at an early age is a benefit to everyone. Even when we are facing uncertainty or scary times in our lives, an expression is important.
Sadly, so many emotions can be confusing when you try to communicate them. For kids and even some adults, feelings such as sad, mad, frustration, and disappointment can all look like the same reaction and easily misinterpreted. As caregivers, we have to look past the red faces and tears and try our best to figure it out and address it.
Every child is unique. Not just in their ability to communicate but also in their ability to comprehend their own emotions. Understanding what your body is feeling and being able to express that in a productive way can be so hard. A lot of times fits and tantrums are the only way to show it. Being heard when you don't know which actions or words to use adds on so many more layers of frustration.
All of that being said, it brings me to why this post is so important to me. My mom recently had three little munchkins placed with her. They are such sweet little guys but have been through the wringer. For the things we do know, it's heartbreaking enough. I could only imagine the magnitude of stress these little ones have been through. They've been there for a few months now and are going through counseling and they are working hard to adjust to their new life, new family, and new home. It's so hard to see such sweet little kids go through so many dramatic and traumatic experiences. Finding stability and trust in their new living situation has been a tough experience not just for them but for my mom too.
When I had the opportunity to work with WhatItsFace and cried and called her immediately. The possibilities are endless when it comes to helping these young little ones know that life is ok. These emotional stuffed animals paired with their therapy have been the best tools so far.
When I explained the situation to Whatsitsface they were caring enough to send each of these little guys their very own stuffed animal. The puppy for the boy, the kitten for the oldest girl, and the bear for the youngest girl. I'm not sure that they fully understand what amazing thing they have done. We will be forever grateful for the tools they gave our family and the positive moves it has created.
Every child is unique. Not just in their ability to communicate but also in their ability to comprehend their own emotions. Understanding what your body is feeling and being able to express that in a productive way can be so hard. A lot of times fits and tantrums are the only way to show it. Being heard when you don't know which actions or words to use adds on so many more layers of frustration.
All of that being said, it brings me to why this post is so important to me. My mom recently had three little munchkins placed with her. They are such sweet little guys but have been through the wringer. For the things we do know, it's heartbreaking enough. I could only imagine the magnitude of stress these little ones have been through. They've been there for a few months now and are going through counseling and they are working hard to adjust to their new life, new family, and new home. It's so hard to see such sweet little kids go through so many dramatic and traumatic experiences. Finding stability and trust in their new living situation has been a tough experience not just for them but for my mom too.
When I had the opportunity to work with WhatItsFace and cried and called her immediately. The possibilities are endless when it comes to helping these young little ones know that life is ok. These emotional stuffed animals paired with their therapy have been the best tools so far.
When I explained the situation to Whatsitsface they were caring enough to send each of these little guys their very own stuffed animal. The puppy for the boy, the kitten for the oldest girl, and the bear for the youngest girl. I'm not sure that they fully understand what amazing thing they have done. We will be forever grateful for the tools they gave our family and the positive moves it has created.
To be honest, my heart breaks for these kids. They've had to be tough when they didn't even know they were too young for being that tough. It's stressful for the adults when they are dealing with the sleepless nights and crying for their parents. They don't understand why their parents aren't caring for them and why they got moved from their last home.
As a parent myself, I just want to pick these little ones up and hug their broken pieces back together. I have to say, I am so proud of my mom for taking the call. She was on her way to the grocery store one day a few months ago and got an emergency call, she went straight to the residence and got them in the spot. She's had them ever since.
When they first arrived at my mom's to stay, they were malnourished physically and emotionally. It's going to be a long road to recovery for this trio but she is loving them with an open heart and open mind. What they thought was normal was not in any way normal. It's not ok to be shut in a house for days at a time with no adult supervision, it's not ok to be 8 years old and is responsible for your younger siblings. God knows how long this has even been going on. Literally fighting for everything they need. Things like being able to take a bath every day and have meals regularly shouldn't be considered a luxury or a reward for good behavior.
Just to put the visual of what's going on, my parents live in a very modest life on a fixed income. They do their best to make it work for them. Especially now that they have the new little ones to care for. One night at dinner, the 7-year-old said to her sister and brother, you guys we are so rich now. And her siblings agreed. They were talking amongst themselves how they had dinner every day now, they had clothes to wear, they were allowed to have more than 1 cup of water a day, they were allowed to go outside, and so many things that didn't seem like they were luxuries or would be imagined to be of wealth.
My mom, living on a tight budget making dinners like tacos, spaghetti, meatloaf, and simple inexpensive dishes just to feed everyone. Those are all amazing foods and some of my favorites but she was feeling stressed and stretched thin. She had no idea she was being looked at like a rich lady because she made meals they could eat together and get full. Not only that but they could have more if they wanted it. It is all in the beauty of perception. My mom was worried she wasn't doing enough but the kids thought she was doing so much. They have all put on weight and are healthy now. They are in a routine now and are all so happy.
It took weeks to get the kids to understand that the food would be there. Explaining that they didn't have to eat until they got sick because there would be more in the morning. They didn't have to sneak food when no one was looking. They weren't going to be taken anywhere or left anywhere and the next meal was going to be provided for them without them having to ask or behave. No matter what the situation was, the next meal is going to be there and they will have it at the table together like a family is supposed to do.
The food issue was a very big one. But only one of many. These guys don't communicate with words very well. They can all speak clearly and my mom even has the 7-year-old reading already and the 5-year-old is trying hard to learn. Even with that, no matter what emotions they were feeling, it was turning into a physical altercation or a complete meltdown and shut down. There was no way to get them to talk through it.
When they first arrived at my mom's to stay, they were malnourished physically and emotionally. It's going to be a long road to recovery for this trio but she is loving them with an open heart and open mind. What they thought was normal was not in any way normal. It's not ok to be shut in a house for days at a time with no adult supervision, it's not ok to be 8 years old and is responsible for your younger siblings. God knows how long this has even been going on. Literally fighting for everything they need. Things like being able to take a bath every day and have meals regularly shouldn't be considered a luxury or a reward for good behavior.
Just to put the visual of what's going on, my parents live in a very modest life on a fixed income. They do their best to make it work for them. Especially now that they have the new little ones to care for. One night at dinner, the 7-year-old said to her sister and brother, you guys we are so rich now. And her siblings agreed. They were talking amongst themselves how they had dinner every day now, they had clothes to wear, they were allowed to have more than 1 cup of water a day, they were allowed to go outside, and so many things that didn't seem like they were luxuries or would be imagined to be of wealth.
My mom, living on a tight budget making dinners like tacos, spaghetti, meatloaf, and simple inexpensive dishes just to feed everyone. Those are all amazing foods and some of my favorites but she was feeling stressed and stretched thin. She had no idea she was being looked at like a rich lady because she made meals they could eat together and get full. Not only that but they could have more if they wanted it. It is all in the beauty of perception. My mom was worried she wasn't doing enough but the kids thought she was doing so much. They have all put on weight and are healthy now. They are in a routine now and are all so happy.
It took weeks to get the kids to understand that the food would be there. Explaining that they didn't have to eat until they got sick because there would be more in the morning. They didn't have to sneak food when no one was looking. They weren't going to be taken anywhere or left anywhere and the next meal was going to be provided for them without them having to ask or behave. No matter what the situation was, the next meal is going to be there and they will have it at the table together like a family is supposed to do.
The food issue was a very big one. But only one of many. These guys don't communicate with words very well. They can all speak clearly and my mom even has the 7-year-old reading already and the 5-year-old is trying hard to learn. Even with that, no matter what emotions they were feeling, it was turning into a physical altercation or a complete meltdown and shut down. There was no way to get them to talk through it.
As an adult, it's hard to see little ones that have to fight for everything. If you could imagine, 3 little kids, 6, 7, and 8 years old basically raising themselves for years. How can you teach what you don't know? They have never been taught social skills or respect for adults or each other. Not knowing how to play or share, the counselor told my mom, I have one word, "Feral". No behavior skills at all. I just want to say, the patience my mom has is amazing.
That's where WhatsItsFace comes into the story.
These little stuffed animals with faces that change with the child and their emotions. The child can change them on their own. They know their own feelings and can make their own animal share their feelings. Not only do they have a way to express their real feelings but, they also have a little buddy that shares their feelings so they aren't alone. They don't need help making the stuffed animal have the same face as their feelings. The turning wheel in the shape of a star gives them good leverage so even their little hands are comfortable turning it. Each turn gives 2 facial expressions to choose from. The faceplate flips right around.
Each animal has six faces.
"Find your words" is a popular phrase my mom says to them. It rarely works but consistency is the important factor. WhatsItsFace lets them express their feelings even when the words are nowhere to be found.
The seven-year-old has a very hard time with communication altogether. It's normal for her to scream "I hate myself, I want to kill myself" or "I hate you, I'm never talking to you again". If there is any type of discomfort in a situation she throws herself down on the couch and grunts instead of using words. If she is told to share, meltdown. If she is told she can't do something, meltdown. If she is caught doing something she's not supposed to, meltdown. The WhatsItsFace is the perfect tool for her to show what she is feeling when her little face is buried in her arm.
She gets angry when she has to share her favorite toys, sad at herself when she is reprimanded, angry when she has to take a little time out. Even though those are all-natural and normal feelings, finding the right way to share them is the important part. Before WhatsItsFace, showing that she was sad or angry would come with punching her siblings, breaking their toys, spilling their drinks, or anything as long as it hurt someone else. Anything she would do really wasn't very surprising, once she was done planking.
The youngest is a 6-year-old boy, he also has his little quirks. He feels like no matter what happens, he feels like he has to get even. He will initiate aggressive behavior but, if his siblings retaliate by hitting him back he has to "get them back" but bigger and more hurtful. When he wanted his oldest sister off of the couch and she didn't move, he kicked her, she pushed him, and he stabbed her with a pencil in the arm. Finding his words has been very hard.
The oldest is 8 years old and is very much a bully. She has been mothering her siblings for so long she doesn't know how to be a kid. She does everything with aggressive authority. She expects them to do what she says when she says, or she will try to make them and punish them by hitting and kicking. She wants to regulate everything they are doing and is very disruptive about it. While they are playing nicely and she will take their toys and tell them she wants them. At snack time she will drink their drinks so she has some in her cup for later. If the other kids tattle on her She will argue and say they are lying and throws a fit in her defense. That circles back around to the fear of food becoming unavailable.
Explaining these situations doesn't even cover the tip of the iceberg with these little ones. WhatsItsFace is helping them find a way to express their own feelings so they can find their voice. Since they have had their stuffed animals the fights have lessened and so has the physical combat. They are using the right faces for the right feelings too. They got the concept instantly.
That's where WhatsItsFace comes into the story.
These little stuffed animals with faces that change with the child and their emotions. The child can change them on their own. They know their own feelings and can make their own animal share their feelings. Not only do they have a way to express their real feelings but, they also have a little buddy that shares their feelings so they aren't alone. They don't need help making the stuffed animal have the same face as their feelings. The turning wheel in the shape of a star gives them good leverage so even their little hands are comfortable turning it. Each turn gives 2 facial expressions to choose from. The faceplate flips right around.
Each animal has six faces.
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Surprised
- Amused
- Sleepy
"Find your words" is a popular phrase my mom says to them. It rarely works but consistency is the important factor. WhatsItsFace lets them express their feelings even when the words are nowhere to be found.
The seven-year-old has a very hard time with communication altogether. It's normal for her to scream "I hate myself, I want to kill myself" or "I hate you, I'm never talking to you again". If there is any type of discomfort in a situation she throws herself down on the couch and grunts instead of using words. If she is told to share, meltdown. If she is told she can't do something, meltdown. If she is caught doing something she's not supposed to, meltdown. The WhatsItsFace is the perfect tool for her to show what she is feeling when her little face is buried in her arm.
She gets angry when she has to share her favorite toys, sad at herself when she is reprimanded, angry when she has to take a little time out. Even though those are all-natural and normal feelings, finding the right way to share them is the important part. Before WhatsItsFace, showing that she was sad or angry would come with punching her siblings, breaking their toys, spilling their drinks, or anything as long as it hurt someone else. Anything she would do really wasn't very surprising, once she was done planking.
The youngest is a 6-year-old boy, he also has his little quirks. He feels like no matter what happens, he feels like he has to get even. He will initiate aggressive behavior but, if his siblings retaliate by hitting him back he has to "get them back" but bigger and more hurtful. When he wanted his oldest sister off of the couch and she didn't move, he kicked her, she pushed him, and he stabbed her with a pencil in the arm. Finding his words has been very hard.
The oldest is 8 years old and is very much a bully. She has been mothering her siblings for so long she doesn't know how to be a kid. She does everything with aggressive authority. She expects them to do what she says when she says, or she will try to make them and punish them by hitting and kicking. She wants to regulate everything they are doing and is very disruptive about it. While they are playing nicely and she will take their toys and tell them she wants them. At snack time she will drink their drinks so she has some in her cup for later. If the other kids tattle on her She will argue and say they are lying and throws a fit in her defense. That circles back around to the fear of food becoming unavailable.
Explaining these situations doesn't even cover the tip of the iceberg with these little ones. WhatsItsFace is helping them find a way to express their own feelings so they can find their voice. Since they have had their stuffed animals the fights have lessened and so has the physical combat. They are using the right faces for the right feelings too. They got the concept instantly.
A little update-
At yesterday's session, the kids were asked if they had done any kind acts for each other. That's part of their weekly individual and group tasks. The girls both had done it but the boy didn't. The girls got rewards and the boy didn't. Even though he tried to jump on the reward wagon by picking up his mess, that wasn't part of the deal, all he was doing was cleaning up his own mess not helping anyone else with theirs. So, he put his angry face on himself and the puppy for the rest of their hour. My mom and the doctor got a chuckle out of it. He was being very obvious that he wanted a reward too, he made a point for the doctor to see the angry faces (his and puppy). As soon as they got to the car he changed the puppy to the sad face. (heartbreaking and I'm crying again). When my mom asked why he was sad he explained that he wanted a reward like the girls had. It's progress! Before whatsitsface, that would have been an all-out tantrum of kicking and hitting. That is just another reminder of how easily kid's feelings come out the wrong way. If he wouldn't have switched it to the sad face, no one would have known he was anything other than angry.
If you are looking for a great tool to help the children find their own feelings, Whatsitsface Stuffed animals are the best tool I have seen. You can find each of them on Amazon.
All three characters are available on Amazon now.
Kitty- https://amzn.to/3lbCVIx
Bear- https://amzn.to/3ivAqPR
Puppy- https://amzn.to/2HNRLGO
I received these products for free as a gift to facilitate this review. If you have any questions please feel free to email me directly.
This is a great way to help kids learn to express different emotions without acting out negatively.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! I wish I had it 20 years ago for my difficult child, lol.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful idea! So many kids have such trouble expressing their emotions.
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a great gift for any child who has trouble expressing how they feel!
ReplyDeletewhat a great toy
ReplyDelete