Groundbreaking research reveals that teaching self regulation strategies to kids can be a game-changer for families, especially those with neurodiverse children. A staggering 75% of parents report significant improvements in their child’s emotional balance and overall well-being after implementing these techniques. Experts are hailing this exciting development as a crucial step forward in empowering children to manage their emotions effectively.
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The Power of Visual Cues
Visual aids aren’t just for classroom walls. They’re pivotal tools to help your kid connect emotional states to concrete symbols.
For example, a color-coded chart could represent different emotions. Blue for calm, yellow for excited, and red for overwhelmed. This simple visual tool helps kids better express themselves, and, in turn, helps you understand what’s going on inside those busy little minds.
The ‘Pause Button’ Technique
Pausing before reacting is hard. Even us adults sometimes mess it up. It isn’t the most obvious self regulation strategy, but teaching your child this can make a world of difference.
You can make it fun. How about using a literal “pause button”? That is to say, a big red button they can smash when things are heating up. This physical action allows kids to stop, think, and decide.
Best ASMR Videos for Kids 👇
Goally has some of the best curated videos for kids (meditation, ASMR, fun) to promote mindfulness and emotional regulation. No ads. No junk. Just learning and regulation.
Breathing Exercises: Not Just for Yoga Class
Breathing isn’t just automatic; it’s a powerful regulation tool.
Teach your kids different types of breathing exercises. For instance, the “Dragon Breath” (breathing out forcefully like a fire-breathing dragon) can be fun and effective for calming nerves. After that, watch the magic unfold as they start using it autonomously during stressful situations.
Read more: Top 3 Self Regulation Skills for Kids
Breaking Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces
Overwhelmed kids often need help figuring out where to start. Help them by breaking down tasks.
This is particularly useful for neurodivergent kids and those with thinking and learning differences. A complex task, like cleaning a room, becomes manageable when divided into steps: pick up toys, put away books, and so on. Moreover, this technique helps children develop organizational skills they’ll use throughout life.
"We went from having meltdowns every few hours, to being able to understand what her needs are when she's upset. It has made a world of difference!" — Goally Mom Learn more →
The Emotion Regulation Jar
Emotional states are transient; they come and go. An “Emotion Regulation Jar” can visually teach this.
Fill a jar with water and glitter. Shake it and explain that the floating glitter represents overwhelming emotions. But just like the glitter settles, so do emotions. It’s a hands-on way to comprehend abstract feelings.
Tired of Emotional Meltdowns?
Goally’s Mood Tuner app has activities for kids with BIG emotions. Teach kids how to tune their mood with Goally. See fewer meltdowns.
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 20+ activities designed to help them self-regulate and find their balance.
You’ve juggled schedules, deciphered moods, and probably stepped on a Lego piece or two. In short, you’re doing great. As a caregiver, you might not always feel like you have your act together. But take it from us: mastering self-regulation strategies for kids doesn’t just provide your child with tools for emotional balance—it also gifts you with moments of peace. If you need a little extra help, check out Goally’s dedicated Tablet. It can help kids check in with their feelings, and give you some peace of mind. So introduce these strategies into your daily routine, and take a breather. You’ve both earned it!
This post was originally published on 09/14/2023. It was updated on 05/14/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
