Misreading Facial Expressions
We all pull them and make them but are facial expressions easy to read? Well I know as an adult that I can sometimes get it wrong and I know for sure that many children do too. Facial expressions can often be misread. For example, a child can see a sad face when in fact the person is angry or confused. It is important for children to know how someone is feeling from their facial expression so that they can interact with them in the correct way. They want to comfort a person who is upset and be able to calm down an angry person.
I have worked with children on facial expressions so that they are able to socialise successfully and not be alienated because they keep getting their peers feelings wrong.
Facial expressions are an integral part of creating and maintaining friendships – do you agree?
11 Comments for this entry
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Really interesting! For sure, too, a smile that is reflected in the eyes – not forced – can mean more than words ever could. XX
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Naomi Richards
June 8th, 2011 on 8:06 pmLove a good smile and when someone smiles you c an see their soul. You can also see if they mean it. Thank for the comment Jen.
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Thank you for the really interesting article.
It reminds me of a scenario I had with my son a little while ago. Sometimes when I drive, the sun gets in my eyes and I squint. For a little while, my son would be convinced that I was sad. Initially, I countered by saying that was not the case but it wasn’t until I actually understood what my son was observing, that I explained why my eyes looked the way they did in the car sometimes! We have now cleared up the mystery and my son is no longer concerned
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Naomi Richards
June 8th, 2011 on 8:32 pmYes I think children read into situations and emotions that are not necessary there too. I have a habit of looking confused when in fact I am thinking about what someone has said to me. Expressions are just as important as the words we say and our body language. Thank you for your comments Natasha.
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I agree this is such an important part of communication and one that often leads to misunderstanding.
We used to play a game in front of the mirror making different faces – happy, sad, angry, excited etc… It was great fun and it did help clear up confusion.
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Naomi Richards
June 9th, 2011 on 11:00 amTell me more Fiona. I have cards I use in my sessions with different faces and expressions that children have for us to discuss. We should not take for granted that children see what we see with regards to the feelings behind expressions and we should talk about them. Thank you for yuor comment.
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Becky
June 9th, 2011 on 11:51 amI love your idea Fiona I may try that with my son – he struggles a bit with this!
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Naomi Richards
June 9th, 2011 on 4:56 pmBecky thank you for the comment. I am sure lots of other children do and if anyone as more suggests please do share them. Thank you
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I think it is also important to teach kids how to reflect back to others what they are seeing. It seems like you are upset with me, it seems like you are sad, I feel like you are disappointed in me….
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Naomi Richards
June 17th, 2011 on 12:06 pmLove it Susie. For a minute I thought you were upset with me!!!! until I read the next few words. So true. Thank you for your comment
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LOL-pays to read till the end.
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Making faces « AdoptResources's Blog, July 22nd, 2011 on 7:46 am
[...] post was inspired by Misreading Facial Expressions written by my friend, Naomi Richards aka The Kids’ [...]
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