8mo–20mo10 minFamily timeQuiet timeFree play
Mirror Feelings: Happy and Sad
A gentle mirror-and-toy game that helps your child start linking simple emotion words (happy/sad) to their own and others' feelings through faces, tone, and comfort.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe mirror (or phone selfie camera)
- a small teddy/doll or favourite toy
- two simple face pictures (in a book/magazine) or two faces drawn on paper
Nice to have
- a comfort blanket or comfort object
- a gentle familiar song
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds with adult supportHeart· 10mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneShows concernHeart· 18mo–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneMirror interestHeart· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Is aware of others’ feelings, for example, looks concerned if hears crying or looks excited if hears a familiar happy voice.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing sense of will and determination may result in feelings of anger and frustration which are difficult to handle, e.g. may have tantrums.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to learn that some things are theirs, some things are shared, and some things belong to other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help young children to label emotions such as sadness or happiness, by talking to them about their own feelings and those of others.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)