Children And Big Emotions

Many parents and practitioners know how difficult it can be for some young children to express their emotions. Not being able to name or communicate their emotions,  can lead to frustration, tantrums, meltdowns, tears and emotional overwhelm.

In my many years as a child-minder, I often found myself searching for strategies and resources to help Norah, Ben and Jordan recognise and manage their emotions. Then they could express themselves more confidently and gain a sense of self-control.

I had long harboured a passion to help early years children and my fellow childminders with this aspect of daily life.

When I retired, I finally had the time to work on developing and marketing my now much-loved My Mood Stars.

These little yellow Stars were originally designed to support the early years’ areas of learning relating to personal, social, and emotional development.

It was the encouragement of an Ofsted Inspector, who had spotted My Mood Stars in my setting that speared me on to market them.

He suggested that there was a huge gap in the market for something soft, sensory and tactile that children could hold.

His suggestion set me off on this truly amazing journey.

How My Mood Stars Help

Along the way I have learnt so much from experts in many fields.

I have got to know and learn from fellow practitioners working in over 800 Early Years settings and homes where My Mood Stars have become part of the family!

Feedback has been a crucial part of My Mood Stars evolving!

Although I recognised instinctively that my Stars were going to be of value, I didn’t realise initially how powerful they could be in supporting children with learning difficulties.

It also became apparent that they could be used by a much wider age range, particularly for those, maybe non-verbal, struggling with communicating emotions and feelings.

When Norah arrives at the setting and won’t leave her father, it’s possible to divert her attention by offering her the choice of Stars.

She uses the Stars to express how she is feeling, and, more importantly, how she wants to feel.

Ben’s becoming braver now at recognising and naming how he is feeling and giggles happily when his Star matches someone else’s!

Jordan likes to pick out the Sleepy Star to indicate that he wants some quiet time lying down: When I add My Mood Stars cushions to the range, he’ll be even happier no doubt!

Listening to others

I listen carefully to customers and fellow entrepreneurs.

Many of them  have become friends through Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, has helped me to create a supportive community that has spread the word world-wide.

I am so proud of the ways in which these little stars have touched people’s hearts and contributed to opening up channels of communication between adults and children.

I’m particularly delighted to be working with Twinkl who have some wonderful resources relating to the Early Years Foundation stage and supporting Special Educational Needs.

For some families, they have literally transformed relationships and enabled Norah, Ben, and Jordan to gain more control over their emotions and to express themselves with growing confidence.

My Mood Stars are available here

My Mood Stars can be purchased with or without their My Mood Stars boards.

Should you want to purchase the My Mood Stars board – they come ready painted in five colours: Red, Blue, Green, Grey and Purple

And don’t forget The My Mood Stars workbook – an ideal accompaniment for your Mood Stars!