top of page

Emotional Regulation

​

Following exposure to a traumatic event, a child’s ability to properly manage and regulate their emotions can be negatively affected. Emotional regulation includes a child’s ability to manage all ranges of emotions and the appropriateness of emotions (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020).

Children who have experienced trauma may be challenged in the following ways:

  • Not feeling safe with others

  • Trouble trusting adults

  • Feeling angry, sad, or nervous

  • Being overly active or having mood swings

Some strategies you can implement to address the above effects include:

  • Stay calm

    • Instead of punishing bad behavior, figure out what’s causing it.

  • Use sensory tools

    • Fidget toys or sensory kits can help kids calm down.

  • Practice mindfulness

    • Teach breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. Click the link for mindfulness activities!

  • Check in often

    • Talk with your child to give support.

  • Use an emotions chart

    • Help your child name and share feelings by using a chart with different feelings to say how they feel. Pictures make it easier for some kids to share. Click the link for an emotions chart!​

bottom of page