Understanding Triggers Through Emotion Charades: A Foster Parent's Reflection

Foster child acting scared

When I first wanted to play the game Emotion Charades with my foster child, I expected a fun way to connect and learn about feelings. The game is simple: write emotions like happy, angry, scared, proud, and embarrassed on slips of paper, then take turns acting them out while the other guesses. What I didn’t expect was how this playful activity would open a window into understanding a deep emotional trigger for my child.

Discovering a Hidden Trigger

During the game, my foster child hesitated when it was their turn to act out “scared”. Their body language shifted noticeably—they became tense and avoided eye contact. When I asked gently if they wanted to try a different emotion, they nodded quickly. This reaction caught my attention. It was the first time I saw such a clear sign of discomfort linked to a specific feeling.

Later, while reflecting on this moment, I realised that the emotion “scared” might be a trigger for my child. This insight was crucial because it helped me understand why certain situations in daily life sometimes caused intense reactions or withdrawal. The game didn’t just teach us about emotions; it revealed a sensitive area that needed careful attention.

Why Recognising Triggers Matters

Triggers are emotional or sensory cues that can cause a strong reaction, often linked to past trauma or difficult experiences. For foster children, these triggers can be unpredictable and overwhelming. Recognising them early helps foster parents respond with empathy and support rather than frustration or confusion.

In my case, the trigger related to fear wasn’t obvious until the game highlighted it. This awareness allowed me to:

• Adjust our interactions to avoid overwhelming situations

• Create a safe space where my child feels comfortable expressing emotions

• Communicate more openly about feelings and fears

  
  

Understanding triggers is not about avoiding all difficult emotions but about knowing when a child needs extra care and patience.

Practical Steps After Identifying a Trigger

Once I noticed the potential trigger, I took several steps to support my foster child better:

• Talked openly about emotions outside the game, encouraging my child to share what scares them and why

• Used calming techniques like deep breathing or quiet time when signs of fear appeared

• Kept a journal to track moments when the trigger seemed active, helping me spot patterns

• Shared my observations with the child’s therapist and support network to ensure consistent care

  
  

These actions helped build trust and gave my child tools to manage their feelings more confidently.

Sharing the Experience with Other Foster Parents

I want to encourage other foster parents to try activities like Emotion Charades. It’s more than just a game, it can be a gentle way to uncover what might be hidden beneath the surface. When you see hesitation or discomfort during the game, pay attention. That moment could be a key to understanding a trigger.

Here are some tips for using this game effectively:

• Create a relaxed environment where the child feels safe to express themselves

• Observe carefully how the child reacts to each emotion, not just what they say

• Be patient if the child avoids certain emotions as this avoidance can signal a trigger

• Follow up with conversations or professional support if you notice strong reactions

  
  

By sharing these insights in forums or support groups, we can help each other recognise and respond to triggers more effectively.

Building Stronger Connections Through Awareness

Playing Emotion Charades reminded me that understanding a child’s emotional world takes time and attention. Triggers can be subtle, but they shape how a child experiences the world and relationships. When we identify these triggers, we can respond with kindness and strategies that promote healing.

This experience deepened my connection with my foster child. It showed me that even simple activities can reveal important truths. For foster parents, being open to these moments can make a real difference in a child’s journey toward feeling safe and understood.

If you haven’t tried this game yet, I highly recommend it. It might just help you discover something important about the child in your care.