Emotional Regulation in Kids: What It Is and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Youth OT
Jul 9
2 min read

Does your child have big reactions to small problems? Do they struggle to calm down when upset or become overwhelmed in everyday situations? Emotional regulation is a critical developmental skill—and when it’s not yet in place, it can impact learning, relationships, and mental health.

What is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience in an appropriate way. It involves:

Recognising emotions
Understanding the source of emotions
Using coping strategies to calm the body and mind

Signs Your Child May Struggle with Emotional Regulation:

Frequent meltdowns or tantrums
Difficulty transitioning between activities
Sensory overreactions (e.g., to sounds or textures)
Shouting, aggression, or withdrawal when upset
Trouble calming down without adult help

Why OT is Involved in Emotional Regulation

Occupational Therapists consider how sensory input, nervous system regulation, routine, and executive functioning impact a child’s ability to cope. We work on the "bottom-up" brain systems that support self-regulation before cognitive strategies can be effective.

OT Strategies for Emotional Regulation:

Sensory Integration Therapy – Helps children understand and respond to sensory information more appropriately.
Co-regulation Tools – Teaching children to use adults and tools for calming (e.g., weighted toys, noise-cancelling headphones).
Emotional Literacy Activities – Teaching feeling words, facial expressions, and body awareness.
Body-Based Coping – Breathing exercises, movement breaks, and proprioceptive input (e.g., jumping, pushing, chewing).
Zones of Regulation™ – A popular visual tool to help children understand and manage their emotions.