My Feelings Thermometer (Kids)
A colourful, fillable five-level feelings thermometer that helps children rate how big a feeling is, notice body signs at each level, and choose calming strategies with a caring adult.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Emotion regulation
- Approach / concern
- For Kids
- Technique
- Emotion regulation
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Feelings Thermometer (Kids)?
Feelings thermometers are a common tool in child CBT and emotion-coaching. They give children a concrete way to rate emotional intensity and link each level to body cues and coping strategies, building early emotion-regulation skills.
Why it works
Understanding and labelling emotions is a foundation of emotion regulation in childhood (Southam-Gerow & Kendall, 2002). Rating scales and body awareness are core components of evidence-based CBT programs for anxious children (Kendall & Hedtke, 2006).
When to use it
- Children aged about 5-11
- Anger, meltdowns and anxiety
- Classroom and school counselling
- Parent coaching sessions
How to use it in session
- Introduce each level with examples from the child’s life.
- Ask what their body feels like at each level.
- Choose one or two helpers per level together.
- Practise calming skills when the child is calm.
- Send a copy home and to school if appropriate.
Clinician tips
- Use the child’s words for feelings and levels.
- Praise noticing a feeling, not just calming down.
- Model using the thermometer yourself.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be used for anxiety as well as anger?
Yes. The thermometer works for any big feeling. Some therapists make separate thermometers for worry and anger.
What if the child can’t describe body feelings?
Offer choices (“Is your tummy tight or tingly?”) or invite them to point to a drawing of a body.
References
Kendall, P. C., & Hedtke, K. A. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxious children: Therapist manual (3rd ed.). Workbook Publishing.
Southam-Gerow, M. A., & Kendall, P. C. (2002). Emotion regulation and understanding: Implications for child psychopathology and therapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(2), 189-222.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
