Are your kids struggling with controlling their emotions? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Emotional regulation is an essential skill that often poses challenges for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids. But fear not, we’ve compiled a list of five emotional regulation activities for kids that will help them navigate their emotional rollercoasters. Get ready to explore practical and fun activities designed to strengthen emotional vigor and develop resilience in your children!
1. Mastering the Art of Belly Breathing
First and foremost, let’s introduce the power of deep belly breathing. This essential technique involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, engaging the diaphragm. For better understanding, encourage the child to place one hand on their chest and the other on their belly to feel the breath’s journey. Regular practice can help improve focus and reduce stress.
How belly breathing works its magic:
- Engages multiple systems within our bodies for relaxation
- Trains our minds to be more focused and attentive
- Easy to practice anywhere and at any time
2. The Magical World of Art and Expression
Art can be a powerful tool in managing emotions. Urge your child to explore different creative activities – from sketching and painting to sculpting – as a vibrant and positive outlet for their emotions. Visual representation of their emotions will help them nurture a deeper understanding of self-awareness and self-expression.
Art therapy wonders at a glance:
- Enables kids to process complex emotions
- Cultivates a sense of mindfulness and reflection
- Offers a non-verbal medium to communicate and share feelings
Read more: Meditation Videos for Kids With Autism
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: A Calming Transformation
Meditation and mindfulness practices can be invaluable tools for kids striving for emotional balance. Start by teaching simple meditation techniques like observing their breath or practicing body scans. Meanwhile, mindfulness can be incorporated into daily routines by encouraging them to notice their surroundings, savor small moments, or express gratitude.
Meditation and mindfulness in a nutshell:
- Help kids take control of their emotional responses
- Improve cognitive flexibility and decision-making
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions
4. Strengthening Connections through Social Play
Social interaction is a cornerstone of a child’s emotional development. Guide your child to participate in cooperative games, role-playing activities, or group sports that require teamwork and collaboration. These experiences will cultivate empathy and emotional control while promoting self-regulation and problem-solving skills.
Why social play is a game-changer:
- Fosters understanding of others’ feelings and perspectives
- Teaches kids to manage emotions during conflicts or competition
- Builds essential life skills through fun and engaging experiences
Read more: Art Therapy for Kids
5. The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Last but not least, remember to consistently reinforce positive emotional behavior in your child. Applaud their efforts in using emotional regulation techniques, or create a reward system that acknowledges their growth and progress. This supportive environment can boost their self-esteem and pave the way for continuous emotional growth.
Positive reinforcement superpowers:
- Encourages repetition of desirable behavior
- Boosts self-confidence and self-assurance
- Creates a nurturing atmosphere for emotional learning
Goally | Kid’s Tablet for Building Emotional Regulation Skills
Is your child struggling with understanding and managing their emotions? Goally teaches emotional regulation skills in a fun and interactive way!
The Mood Tuner app encourages kids to look inwards and identify their feelings, helping them understand what’s going on inside. Once they’ve recognized their emotions, they can choose from a variety of exercises designed to help them self-regulate and find their balance.
To sum up, these five emotional regulation activities for kids are stepping stones to developing critical skills for overall well-being and growth. With practice, patience, and perseverance, your child will learn to effectively navigate the challenges of life while maintaining a strong emotional equilibrium.
This post was originally published on 05/27/2023. It was updated on 12/21/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
