Surprise caused by an unexpected event is an ambiguous feeling. That relates to the ambiguity in the emotion’s effects. It can be perceived differently – as positive or negative, depending on the circumstances. In this sense, it is the type of feeling that can navigate between all emotions.

Explaining the emotion

The surprise is the shortest emotion in its duration. If we have time to think about what is happening, we are no longer surprised. Once we have time to evaluate the event, we move on to the next emotion – one of the other prime ones: joy, embarrassment, happiness, sadness, fear, etc.

The surprise could be a reaction caused by an unexpected, new or strange event.

That is when a stimulus arises that the subject does not consider in its predictions or plans.

The subjective experience that comes with it is a feeling of insecurity and the state where the person experiences a millisecond of blockage – time stops. Freeze.

The lightning speed of this emotion takes only a few seconds – suspension. Only after the first moments of bewilderment, we realize what happened, and then we respond to the existing reality. We adapt to this event – here the surprise turns into other, often more complex emotions.

Speed of staggering the appearance of this emotion is only a few seconds – suspension. Only after the first moments of bewilderment do we realize what happened, and then we respond to the existing reality. We adapt to this event – here the surprise turns into other, often more complex emotions.

The surprise lies in releasing memory from work in all other active activities at that particular moment to face an unexpected stimulus. Thus, this state activates attention processes, exploratory behaviour, and curiosity. This emotion is often followed by another feeling that depends on the casual stimulus’s quality and intensity.

The facial expression of the surprise

Like any other, the surprise emotions has its peculiar facial expressions:

• eyebrows are raised and curved;
• horizontal wrinkles pass through the forehead;
• eyes are wide open;
• often the lips are parted;

We experience a decrease in heart rate, increased muscle tone, and increased respiratory amplitude regarding other physiological responses. Besides, there is a low voice, as well as spontaneous vocalizations in high notes.

Since the experience of surprise is brief and is almost always accompanied by another emotion immediately following it, the face often shows a mixture or sequence of two emotions. So, before someone discovers what is hidden in the Christmas gift box. You can observe the raised eyebrow on their face – which signifies surprise, followed by a smile – which means joy or the corners of the mouth pointing downward – signifying disappointment.

There is also a breakdown of predictability in dramatic situations. It is precisely this risk of failure that causes an unexpected negative situation to increase the pleasure felt when the condition turns out to be positive. It is a fear-relieving mechanism.

Some authors consider the surprise a ‘neutral’ emotion because it is triggered by new and unexpected situations that disappear very quickly and are immediately replaced by other emotions. So the surprise is a kind of “filter” of different emotions.

Methods of working on the surprise

The ability to be open to sudden, unexpected situations is essential – randomness in discovering unexpected moments – that requires flexibility to be surprised.

An excellent exercise that can be used in home and school and preschool conditions is the game of treasure hunters. You can freely modify the game, the course and the final ‘treasure’, which is our ‘spark’ that generates a surprise.

Providing support and an excellent example to follow is always worth its weight. So as parents, let us be open-minded and do not try to avoid or protect our children from unforeseen, new, questionable ones. Instead, we should try to approach the unknown positively, enjoy the positives, and react reasonably prudently to any negative finals, calmly, analyzing and possibly looking for the positive sides of the existing state.

Changes or modification of a fixed plan or routine favours any ‘crazy adventure’ – smooth and surprising, without prior planning or discussing details. This element perfectly trains flexibility and unconventionality, draws us out of rigid frames, habits and automatic operation. There is not always pancakes for breakfast!

All that’s new – INNOVATION – scientific or kitchen experiments – whatever -be creative!
It all works on our imaginations and gives us some idea of what could happen. At the same time, we are inevitably put to the test when an unexpected result occurs. Simple chemical experiments always surprise and amaze children, especially when the result is an immediate, powerful reaction. Who doesn’t like the spectacular exploding Coca-Cola treated with Mentos.

A game that can help motivate your toddler is a bag of surprises. You can combine the fun game by encouraging the child to perform a predetermined task. The surprise will be the final reward. You can hide a small trinket in the bag, allowing the child to ‘discover’ if the goal (proposed and discussed with the child) has been achieved. Remember about diversity and unconventionality!

Games and books that can help

“The hole” by Øyvind Torseter

“Waiting is not easy!” by Mo Willems

“Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work ” by Crystal Chatterton

GoTrovo Treasure Hunt Game Fun Scavenger Hunt Board Game for Kids 

Feelings Flashcards Game Emotion Cards for Learning Emotions with Emotion 

Stomp it Out Movement-Based Game for Kids. Teach Feeling Identification, Problem Solving, Social Skills & More 

 eeBoo About Face, Emotions and Feelings Game for Kids

… and many more. If you want to know to get more tips regarding this topic – follow me on Instagram and Twitter!