Emotional Body Chart | Free Printable

As someone working with kids, I’ve seen firsthand how an emotional body chart can be a game-changer for helping children understand and express their feelings. It’s a simple but powerful tool that visually represents emotions in different parts of the body. I’m excited to share a free printable emotional body chart with you today, along with some tips on how to use it effectively with your kids, whether they’re neurotypical, autistic, or have other learning differences.

What is an Emotional Body Chart?

An emotional body chart is a diagram of the human body that allows kids to identify and label where they feel different emotions in their bodies. It’s based on the concept of interoception, which is the sense of the internal state of the body. Research shows that helping kids tune into their bodies and label their emotions can improve emotional regulation skills.

The chart typically shows a simple outline of a body, with space around it to write or draw the physical sensations and emotions felt in each area. For example, a child might color the head area red and write “headache” if they feel stressed, or draw a blue squiggly line near the stomach to represent “butterflies” when nervous.

Read more: Interoception Body Check Chart for Kids | Free Printable

Why Use an Emotional Body Chart with Kids?

There are many benefits to using an emotional body chart with kids:

• Helps children identify and name their emotions, a key step in developing emotional intelligence
• Allows kids to communicate their feelings non-verbally, which can be especially helpful for children who struggle with verbal expression
• Validates children’s emotional experiences and helps them feel understood
• Useful for kids of all ages and abilities, including those with autism, ADHD, or language delays
• Can be used as a launching point for discussion about coping strategies and problem-solving

One study found that using a body scan meditation along with an emotional body chart helped reduce chronic pain in adults. While more research is needed on using body charts with kids, anecdotally many parents and therapists have found it to be a helpful tool.

What Research Says about Where We Feel the Emotions

In a study, scientists found that our emotions can make us feel different things in our bodies. They made a map showing 13 emotions and the body parts that become more or less active when we feel each emotion. The map uses warm colors, like red and yellow, to show body parts that are more active. Cool colors like blue and green are used to show parts that are less active when we feel a certain emotion.

Pinterest post: Greatist

Download Your Free Printable Emotional Body Chart

To get started with using an emotional body chart with your child, simply input your information below so we can send you the download link.

With this valuable tool in hand, you’ll be well on your way to supporting your child’s emotional growth and strengthening your bond with them. Remember, every child is unique, and it may take time and patience to find the strategies that work best for your family. Trust in the process and celebrate the small victories along the way.

How to Use the Free Printable Emotional Body Chart

Here are some simple steps for using the emotional body chart with your child:

1. Print out the body chart on a blank sheet of paper. You may want to print multiple copies so your child can fill out a new one each time.
2. Explain the purpose of the body chart to your child in simple terms. For example: “This picture shows a body. It can help us understand the feelings inside our own body. You can color it or make marks on it to show how your body feels.”
3. Model using the chart yourself. You might say: “Right now I feel stressed. My head hurts a bit and my neck feels tight. I’m going to color the head red and draw a tight squiggle by the neck.” Seeing you do it first helps your child understand the process.
4. Ask your child to tune into their body and notice what they feel, without judgment. Prompt them with questions like: “What do you feel in your head? Your chest? Your belly? Your arms and hands?”
5. Encourage your child to color, draw, or write on the body chart to represent their sensations. Offer help labeling the emotions if needed, but let your child take the lead.
6. Discuss the completed chart with curiosity and empathy. You might say: “I see you colored the belly yellow. What does that yellowness feel like? What do you think that feeling is trying to tell you? What might help you feel better?”

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to fill out an emotional body chart. Let your child’s individual experiences guide the process. You can use the chart regularly as a check-in tool, or bring it out during times of heightened emotions.

Read more: 5 Emotion Regulation Strategies for Kids

Tips for Using an Emotional Body Chart with Neurodivergent Kids

If your child is autistic or otherwise neurodivergent, they may have unique sensory experiences or struggle with identifying emotions. Some tips that may help:

• Offer multiple ways to interact with the chart, like using stickers, paint, or clay to represent feelings
• Focus on sensations rather than emotions if needed, e.g. “I feel warm” or “I feel tingly” rather than “I feel anxious”
• Break it down into smaller steps, like focusing on one body part at a time
• Validate all of your child’s experiences, even if they seem unusual to you
• Use the chart consistently to help your child build awareness over time

Emotion	Body Sensations
Anger	Face feels hot, hands clench, heart races
Sadness	Chest aches, throat feels tight, eyes water
Fear	“Butterflies” in stomach, legs feel shaky, hard to breathe
Happiness	Cheeks sore from smiling, body feels light, heart feels full

Remember, every child’s experience is unique. The emotional body chart is simply a tool to help your child develop a language for their inner world. The more you can tune into and validate your child’s experiences, the better equipped they’ll be to understand themselves and others.

The emotional body chart is a powerful tool for helping kids of all ages and abilities understand and express their emotions. By using this free printable consistently and creatively, you can support your child’s emotional growth and give them a valuable skill for life. I hope this simple template opens up many positive conversations between you and your amazing, one-of-a-kind kid.

Helpful Resources

• Psychology Today
• Child Mind Institute
• Verywell Family

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FAQs about Emotional Body Chart

What is an emotional body chart?
An emotional body chart is a visual tool that illustrates how different emotions can physically manifest in the body. It helps individuals identify and understand the physical sensations associated with various emotional states.

How can an emotional body chart be used for personal growth?
Using an emotional body chart can increase self-awareness by helping individuals recognize and respond to the physical cues of their emotions. This awareness can lead to better emotional regulation and personal development.

Who can benefit from using an emotional body chart?
Emotional body charts are beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their emotional intelligence, including therapists, educators, parents, and individuals seeking to improve their emotional well-being.

What types of emotions are typically included on an emotional body chart?
Common emotions depicted include happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust, each linked to specific bodily sensations like tension, warmth, or tingling.

Are emotional body charts used in professional settings?
Yes, emotional body charts are often used by psychologists, counselors, and health professionals to assist clients in therapy or counseling sessions to explore the connection between their physical and emotional health.