Feelings Songs for Kids: Songs About Happy, Scared, Sad and More

Little kids have big feelings. They can be happy one minute and scared, sad or upset the next. Most toddlers and preschoolers don't have the words yet to say what they feel. Songs help. When a child hears a penguin sing "It's OK to be afraid" or "I'm sorry, friends," they learn that feelings have names, and that every feeling is OK.

Below are 9 feelings songs for kids from Leigha Marina. They cover feeling happy, scared, sad, left out, sorry and proud. Each song has a free cartoon video and full lyrics on its song page, and you can find every album in our songs about feelings for toddlers and preschoolers collection.

Songs About Feeling Happy

Sunshine Oh Sunshine

"Mommy, I love sunny days!" A little penguin and his mom sing about how the sun makes you smile, keeps you warm, helps things grow and gives you joy. The song starts the day with "Good morning, my friend, today is a brand new day."

Try this: On a sunny morning, open the curtains together and ask your child, "How does the sun make you feel?"

No Care in the World

This happy summer song is all about feeling free and relaxed. The little penguins wake up, smile at the sky and head to the beach with their towels, water shoes and sunglasses. They build sand castles, drink cold lemonade and feel the salty waves in their hair, "with no care in the world."

Songs About Feeling Scared

Afraid of the Dark

"It's OK to be afraid of the dark. Just remember everything's the same as when there's light." This gentle song tells kids there is no monster or ghost next to them. And if there were, they would just want to hug and play shadow puppets. At the end, the song says all the lights in the house need sleep, just like us.

Scary Spider

The little penguins find a spider in the backyard, in the kitchen and even over their bed. "Hairy scary, please don't bite me!" But then they see the spider just wants to play hide and seek. By the end, the penguins keep singing "I'm not scared."

Try this: When your child feels scared, name the feeling out loud: "You feel scared. That's OK." Then sing "I'm not scared" together in a big, brave voice.

If your child has a hard time at night, we have a whole list of songs for kids who are afraid of the dark.

Songs About Feeling Sad

Honey Don't You Cry Lullaby

A baby penguin feels sick and sad, and mommy penguin holds him close. She sings, "Honey, don't you cry, soon you'll feel alright. This will pass." She asks him to tell her what he needs and says, "I've got you." It is a soft song for days when your little one needs extra comfort.

Best Friend

This sweet song is about the friend who is always there for you. "You play with me, I play with you. You hug me when I'm feeling blue." A best friend can be a brother, a sister, a classmate or even a pet.

Try this: Ask your child, "Who makes you feel better when you are sad?" Then make a card or a drawing for that person.

Songs About Feeling Left Out

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

A new kid moves in down the street. He looks a little different, and he sits outside drawing pictures all alone. The little penguin thinks he already knows all about him. But when he takes a peek, he sees the new kid draws better than anyone he has ever seen. Now they are best friends who draw together every day. This song helps kids think about how it feels to be new or alone, and how one friend can change that.

Songs About Feeling Sorry

Little Penguin Tells a Lie

A little penguin tells his friends he saw a fish that flew and a shark on skates. Later, he finds a great place to swim, but his friends don't believe him. He slides down the ice alone and feels sad. Then he says, "I'm sorry, friends, I let you down." His friends hug him and forgive him. The song shows that saying sorry can help us feel better.

Try this: After a hard moment, help your child say what happened and practice saying "I'm sorry" together, like the little penguin.

Songs About Feeling Proud

I Believe in Me

"When I believe in me, I can do anything." The penguins sing "I'm bright, I'm smart, I'm brave, I'm strong." The song also reminds kids that "it's OK to make mistakes, it's OK to start again." It is a great song for building confidence after a tough day.

Tips for Talking About Feelings

• Name the feeling. Say "You look sad" or "You seem scared." It helps your child learn the words.
• Say all feelings are OK. Being angry or scared is OK. We can learn what to do with those feelings.
• Use the songs as a starting point. After a song, ask "How did the penguin feel? Have you ever felt like that?"
• Stay calm and close. A hug and a calm voice can help more than a lot of words.
• Make a feelings face game. Take turns making happy, sad, scared and surprised faces in the mirror.

If big feelings turn into meltdowns, read our tips on toddler tantrums and how to deal with them.

Common Questions

What song teaches kids that it's OK to be scared?

Afraid of the Dark says "It's OK to be afraid of the dark" and reminds kids that everything is the same when the lights are off.

Is there a song about saying sorry?

Yes. In Little Penguin Tells a Lie, the little penguin tells his friends he is sorry, and they forgive him.

What song can comfort a sad or sick child?

Honey Don't You Cry Lullaby is a soft song where mommy penguin comforts her sick baby and tells him "This will pass."

Where can we watch these feelings songs?

Every song above has a free cartoon video and full lyrics on its song page.