🧩 Thinking & feelings · Ages 3–4 · about 2 weeks

Feelings and a Shared Solution

Goal: Talk about what might cause a feeling and try a supported solution when two people want the same thing.

For parents: Feelings are welcome; an adult still helps keep actions safe. Practise through calm pretend play. Your child can point or act instead of speaking. Do not insist on sharing a treasured personal object or expect children to settle a disagreement alone.

Do together

  1. One cup, two visitors

    You need: Two large soft toys and an empty unbreakable cup

    Pretend Ali and Sara both want the cup. Ask how each might feel and why. Accept different possibilities. Say that you can help find a way for both visitors to take part.

  2. Try a turn

    You need: The toys and cup

    Suggest that one visitor holds the cup for a short pretend drink, then offers it to the other. Ask your child to act out the handover. If waiting is difficult, offer a second cup or another role. There is no timer or forced handover.

  3. Ask for help

    You need: The same pretend scene

    Model a short request: 'We both want it. Please help.' Let your child use words or a gesture to bring you into the scene. Offer two practical choices, such as taking turns or finding another cup, and try the one they choose.

Talk about it

  • How might Sara feel, and what happened?
  • What could help both visitors play?
  • How can you let me know you need help?

Words to use

  • feeling
  • want
  • turn
  • wait
  • help
  • choose

Play

  • Feelings Friends
    Feelings
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