I had a request to talk about strategies to promote healthy EMOTIONAL REGULATION in kiddos with BIG emotions 😉 In reality, all kids throw tantrums, but some throw them more than others and for what seems like no reason. ⠀The goal of emotional regulation techniques is to help kids learn to “tolerate distress and learn healthy ways to respond to unpleasant feelings/emotions.” ⠀
Here are some ideas I’ve gathered from other OT’s to help teach kids emotional regulation techniques: ⠀
-teaching deep breathing techniques to calm their bodies down. Make it into a game by placing a stuffed animal on their tummy, and have them breathe in and out and try to see how high they can make their little friend go “up the elevator.” ⠀
-use weighted blankets for extra sensory input. ⠀
-have a “chill out” or “calm” corner with soft blankets and things of different textures for them to go when they need to get back In control of theIr bodIes/emotIons. ⠀
-have them squeeze play dough, crumple paper, or pop/stomp on bubble wrap when they are feeling aggressive or angry as a way to relieve tension in a healthy way. ⠀
-read the books “When I Feel...” by Cornelia Maude Spelman (who is a child therapist) to help your child learn words for their emotions. ⠀
-validate your child’s feelings, help them to know that feeling angry, sad, or stressed sometimes is okay and normal, but there are healthy and safe ways to express those feelings. ⠀
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