Some children carry big feelings — joy, frustration, fear, energy — all in one small body. Emotional regulation is about helping them understand, express, and manage those feelings in safe, healthy ways.
These calming strategies support children in becoming more in control of their emotions, learning to pause, and returning to a calm state when upset or overwhelmed.
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### 🧘♂️ Regulation Strategies for School & Home:
**1. Deep Breathing Exercises** Teach simple breathing like “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”
**2. Grounding Techniques** Use 5-4-3-2-1: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
**3. Calming Corner or Break Spot** Create a quiet space with soft items, visuals, and calming tools.
**4. Movement Breaks** Jumping jacks, yoga poses, stretching — anything to release energy in a healthy way.
**5. Sensory Tools** Use fidgets, playdough, or textured items to soothe and refocus.
**6. Visualization** Have the child imagine a safe place, a favorite memory, or a calming image like floating on a cloud.
**7. Emotion Thermometer** Help them name their level of emotion (1 = calm, 5 = very upset). Then use a strategy to move down the scale.
**8. Music & Rhythm** Soft music, drumming, or rhythm games can regulate the nervous system.
**9. Body Scan** Guide them to notice where their body feels tense and how to relax it.
> “When a child feels seen and soothed, they learn to feel safe inside.”
These strategies are helpful for all children — not just those with behavior plans or IEPs.
**Need help choosing the right calming tools for a child?** Call or text Laurie at **580–302–0136**. I’m here to help you create a plan that fits your space and your child.