The Body Map of Feelings Worksheet is an illustrated digital resource designed to teach children a crucial skill: interoception, or the ability to feel and understand what is happening inside their body. This CBT-based activity provides a simple outline for children to map where they physically experience different emotions, such as anger in their hands or anxiety in their tummy.
 
Research shows that children who can identify their body signals (tension, warmth, tightness) early are much better at managing their feelings and stress. By using this playful sheet to connect physical clues to emotions, your child learns to spot a feeling when it's small, enabling them to choose a coping strategy instead of reacting.
 
Why It Works
Interoception: Directly trains children to recognise the physical sensations associated with core emotions.
Early Warning System: Establishes an internal warning system, allowing children to identify feelings before they escalate into meltdowns or withdrawal.
Pattern Recognition: Guides reflection on triggers, helping children link specific events to specific physical responses.
Builds Emotional Literacy: Provides a clear, objective framework for discussing abstract emotions like anxiety and happiness.
 
Benefits for Children
Identify physical signs (hot hands, tight chest) that signal a strong emotion.
Build self-awareness and improve the connection between mind and body.
Strengthen emotional regulation by catching feelings early.
Improve communication with adults about how they are genuinely feeling.
Understand the link between triggers and body reactions.
 
What’s Included (A4 Digital Download)
Body Map of Feelings Worksheet (PDF): A4, printable, illustrated activity for mapping physical sensations.
 
Note: This worksheet is designed to be a supplementary tool for emotional literacy and is not a substitute for professional therapeutic assessment or treatment.