The game “Apples and Onions” is a simple but effective way to help your child better understand and express their emotions, as well as talk through the events that have happened during the day. This game can be a great bedtime ritual, or at the end of the school day, to help your child calm down and get ready for bed.
You can play this game without special equipment, or modify it.
You will need:
- Two baskets or containers
- Pictures of apples and onions (can be drawn or printed)
- Paper and pencils (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the baskets. Label one basket “Apples” (for good things) and the other basket “Onions” (for bad things).
- Explain the rules. Tell your child that in the “Apples” basket he or she will put pictures or draw pictures that represent good things that happened during the day. And in the Onion basket, he will put pictures or drawings that represent bad things that happened to him.
- Discuss the day. Together with your child, recall the events that happened during the day. Ask him to tell you what he liked and what he didn’t like.
- Sort the pictures. Ask your child to put the pictures of apples and onions in the appropriate baskets. Help him to recall the events if he has forgotten.
- Talk about emotions. Ask your child what emotions he or she felt when remembering the events. Help her name and recognize her emotions.
- Closing. Thank the child for sharing his or her thoughts and feelings. Offer a hug or a bedtime story.
Variations:
- Instead of the pictures of apples and onions, you can use other symbols that the child understands. For example, you can use emoticons, colors, or geometric shapes.
- You can play Apples and Onions not only at bedtime, but at any time during the day. It can be a useful way to help your child calm down and cope with emotions after a stressful event.
- Older children can write independently about the day’s events and their emotions and then share it with you.