There's lots of feelings information in different sections of this website! If the feelings are worry, fears or anxiety, see this section. If the sadness is related to Family Changes (divorce, moving, illness), see that section. If the sadness is related to death, see the grief section. .
As my favorite 2nd step feelings song says, "everyone has feelings..." It's helpful for kids to know that feelings are natural, feelings can change, and they can learn skills for managing their feelings. Some people are big feelers- their feelings come on strong and may feel overwhelming. If that sounds like your child, email me & I'll share a document titled, Feelings and Waves- helpful information for processing strong feelings. I also created this video about the 5 point feelings scale to help kids recognize when feelings are getting bigger and ways they can calm.
As the 2nd step calm down song advises, when strong feelings come on, it helps to, "Stop. Name your feeling. Calm Down." You can calm by using deep breaths (in your nose, out your mouth), counting, using positive self-talk, taking a break, getting a drink of water, etc. I have links to all three 2nd Step calm down songs in the video section of this website.
If your child is regularly getting upset, a calm-down plan might be helpful. Make this plan when s/he is calm (i.e. the evening after a difficult morning you might say, "This morning was tough. What can we do to make tomorrow go better?"). The section on Worries, Fears and Anxiety has additional information.
Another crucial aspect of helping children deal with feelings is making sure their basic needs are met. Sufficient sleep is crucial; structured bedtime routines help with this. Some students need calming activities to help them relax and get to sleep. Below I mention a few books on mindfulness and meditation that have helpful calming strategies. Also, make sure your child is eating good foods to help fuel their bodies so they can learn. Finally, make sure their physical health is okay (it's hard to manage feelings when you actually have a medical issue).
Below are books and websites I use as resources for dealing with feelings. I add resources as I learn about new things. Please let me know if you have things to recommend :)
Books:
Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis
Don’t Pop Your Cork on Mondays by Adolf Moser a book on managing your anger & using self-control
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Blueloon by Julie Cook (she has many wonderful books; see http://www.juliacookonline.com/)
Don't Despair on Thursdays by Adoph Moser
Calm Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick A simple book on strategies to calm yourself.
Cool Cats; Calm Kids: Relaxation & Stress Management for Young People by Mary Williams
"Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and their parents)" by Eline Snel
"Peaceful Piggy Meditation" by Kerry Lee Maclean Below are additional resources. Please let me know if you have things to add.
The Handbook for Helping Kids with Anxiety & Stress by Kim Frank
What to Do When You're Scared and Worried by James Crist
When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron
The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive
Websites:
understood.org is a website designed to help adults understand their child's learning and attention issues. It also includes great information on friends and feelings.
http://www.pbisworld.com/ is a web page with LOTS of good links for different social work areas. Lots of different ideas for behavior interventions!
The MACMH website (Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health) has numerous fact sheets with information about mental health issues related to feelings. Here's a link to that: http://www.macmh.org/publications/fact_sheets/fact_sheets.php