Feelings · Ages 8–12
Getting to know your feelings
Perhaps you have been so happy you wanted to laugh, so angry that you felt hot, or so nervous that you could feel it in your tummy. These are ways feelings can make themselves known. Feelings are reactions to what happens around you, what you think about and what you remember. Feelings can be strong or mild. They can arrive quickly and pass, or last longer. You can have several at the same time. You can start by describing how your body feels, even if you do not yet know the name of the feeling.
Perhaps you have been so happy you wanted to laugh, so angry that you felt hot, or so nervous that you could feel it in your tummy. These are ways feelings can make themselves known. Feelings are reactions to what happens around you, what you think about and what you remember. Feelings can be strong or mild. They can arrive quickly and pass, or last longer. You can have several at the same time. You can start by describing how your body feels, even if you do not yet know the name of the feeling.
01
What is a feeling?
A feeling is a reaction you can notice both in your thoughts and in your body. Happiness, anger, sadness, fear and calmness are some names for feelings. Perhaps you notice yourself smiling before thinking 'I'm happy', or feel a knot in your tummy before you realise you are nervous. You can describe it in your own way. An adult can help you find words that fit.
02
Your body can tell you something
You may notice a feeling in your body before you have a word for it. Your tummy may feel tight when you are nervous about something, or your face may feel hot when you are angry. Some people notice many sensations while others notice very little in their bodies. You can practise with an adult: 'When that happened, I felt ...' Perhaps you feel excited and scared at the same time before something new. You do not have to find the right word immediately. If you often have pain or it lasts a long time, an adult should also help you find out whether your body needs medical attention.
03
Several feelings can happen at once
You may look forward to a sleepover and still miss the people at home. You can care about a friend and feel angry when they hurt your feelings. One feeling does not make the other wrong. Feelings can change as you work out what is happening. An adult can help you put feelings into words without deciding which feeling you should have. You could say, 'I'm not quite sure, but it feels difficult.' That is enough to begin a conversation.
04
Feelings as you grow
During puberty, many things change in your body, brain and life around you. Some people may therefore notice that their feelings become stronger or change more quickly than before.
05
When is it a good idea to tell someone?
If you often feel very sad, scared, stressed or angry, or feel as though everything is becoming too much, it is important to tell someone you trust. The same applies if your feelings make school, sleep, friendships or everyday things difficult.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.