Imagine this: It’s a sunny afternoon, and seven-year-old Alex is outside playing with his friends. Everything is going well until his favorite toy car gets knocked over. His face scrunches up, tears fill his eyes, and before you know it, Alex is having a full-on meltdown. It’s not that Alex is misbehaving — he just doesn’t know how to handle the storm of emotions inside him. And this is why you may be considering emotional regulation activities for kids.
For kids like Alex, learning emotional regulation is crucial. This is especially true for kids with ADHD or autism, who may have extra challenges managing their feelings. Luckily, there are engaging emotional regulation activities that can help children — no matter their needs — develop the skills they need to navigate their emotions. Let’s explore five fun, interactive ways to support emotional regulation in kids, from calming glitter jars to emotional regulation workbooks.
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4 Emotional Regulation Activities for Kids: Strategies That Help
Glitter Jar or Sensory Lamp
Imagine holding a clear jar filled with water, glitter, and a bit of glue. When things get overwhelming, kids can give the jar a shake and watch the glitter swirl before it settles. You can also find sensory lamps on Amazon. This calming visual helps kids regulate their emotions by focusing on something peaceful and predictable.
The glitter jar or sensory lamp is particularly effective as an emotional regulation tool for kids with ADHD, who may struggle with impulsivity or high energy, and for kids with autism, who benefit from visual aids.
Emotional Regulation Workbooks
Emotional regulation workbooks are a treasure trove of helpful activities for kids. These workbooks are filled with engaging exercises, from coloring pages to problem-solving scenarios, all designed to teach kids how to manage their feelings.
Emotional regulation workbooks are especially helpful for kids with ADHD or autism because they break down complex emotional concepts into manageable, hands-on tasks. These workbooks often include stories and exercises that mirror the challenges children face. For example, a story might feature a character who learns to count to 10 before responding when angry, providing relatable, actionable strategies for kids.
Mindful Breathing
Now, let’s meet Sara. Sara is lying on her back with her favorite stuffed animal placed on her belly. She’s watching it rise and fall as she takes slow, deep breaths. This is a simple but powerful way to teach kids mindful breathing.
For kids with ADHD, who often experience hyperactivity, focusing on breathing can help them slow down. For kids with autism, who may find emotional regulation challenging, the visual feedback of the stuffed animal moving with each breath provides clarity and calm.
Labeling Emotions Game
Picture this: A group of kids sitting in a circle, passing around a soft, squishy ball. But here’s the twist — every time they catch the ball, they have to share a feeling and describe a time they felt that way. “I felt happy when I got a new puppy,” or “I felt frustrated when I couldn’t tie my shoes.”
This game is great for emotional regulation in kids with ADHD and those on the autism spectrum, as it encourages them to express their feelings in a structured, fun way. Labeling emotions helps children better understand what they’re going through, which is key to emotional regulation.
Whether your child is like Alex, or they have additional challenges like ADHD or autism, teaching emotional regulation is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. With the right emotional regulation activities, such as the Labeling Emotions Game or using emotional regulation workbooks, kids can develop the skills they need to understand and manage their feelings.
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