The Kid’s Tackle List: Helping Kids Connect Tasks to Feelings
One of the best parts of creating The Tackle List has been watching how my own kids think about their days. My daughter (age 10) especially is in that stage where she’s pushing herself to be more independent. While we have great conversations, she also loves quiet self-reflection and—like her mama—she really loves to check a box.
That’s where the Kid’s Tackle List idea was born.
Starting With Feelings
Just like the adult version, the kid’s list begins with emotions. Instead of jumping straight into chores or assignments, kids start by asking: “How do I want to feel at the end of the day?”
Because emotions can be tricky to name, the list includes a bank of suggested “target emotions”—things like happy, proud, calm, brave, silly, creative—with space to write in their own.
It’s not about picking the “right” feeling. It’s about practicing awareness and learning that emotions are valid goals in themselves.
Turning Feelings Into Actions
Once a child circles how they’d like to feel, the next step is to brainstorm actions that might lead there:
Want to feel relaxed? Maybe watching a movie on the iPad outside in the hammock isn’t just “screen time”—it’s a tool to recharge.
Want to feel organized? Making your bed or cleaning up Legos might create a sense of order.
Want to feel proud? Finishing a tricky math worksheet or learning a new cartwheel might do it.
Suddenly, everyday tasks become less about following rules and more about connecting choices to outcomes.
Reflecting at the End of the Day
The last step is reflection: “Do I feel the way I wanted to feel? Why or why not? If not, am I pleased with how I do feel?”
This part is powerful because it teaches kids that they have agency. If making their bed didn’t actually spark a feeling of accomplishment, maybe it’s okay to skip it. If doodling for 10 minutes helped them feel calm, maybe that deserves more space tomorrow.
It’s not about perfect days—it’s about learning the cause-and-effect relationship between what we do and how we feel.
Why It Matters
The Kid’s Tackle List gives children a framework for independence that’s more meaningful than a generic chore chart. It teaches them to:
Practice emotional awareness
Connect choices with outcomes
Reflect on what actually matters to them
Build independence with a touch of fun (because, yes, there are boxes to check!)
For kids, it turns daily life into a gentle experiment in self-discovery. For parents, it’s a way to guide without micromanaging—and to see your child start to engineer the kind of days that make them feel strong, creative, and proud.
Because whether you’re 10 or 40, the truth is the same: a great life isn’t built by chance. It’s built by being intentional—one small choice, one little list, one day at a time.
