07/20/2026
đ Big feelings are a normal part of growingâand every feeling is okay. What matters is helping children learn what theyâre feeling and how to respond in a healthy way. â¨
For children ages 0â6, emotional regulation doesnât happen automaticallyâit develops through supportive relationships, co-regulation, and practice. Using a feelings thermometer or color zones helps children identify how their body and emotions feel before they become overwhelmed.
đ Green: Calm, happy, and ready to learn.
đ Yellow: Silly, excited, or energeticâitâs time to slow our bodies down.
â¤ď¸ Red: Angry, frustrated, or overwhelmedâwe need support to regain control.
đ Blue: Sad, tired, or low energyâwe may need comfort, rest, or connection.
Once children recognize how theyâre feeling, they can begin using coping strategies that match their needs. Simple tools like taking deep breaths, stretching, squeezing a sensory toy, drawing, listening to music, talking to a trusted adult, pushing against a wall for calming input, counting, or taking a quiet break teach children that emotions are manageable.
Remember, the goal isnât to stop children from having big emotionsâitâs to help them understand them, express them safely, and return to a calm, regulated state where they can learn, play, and connect with others.
⨠Emotional regulation is a skill, and like any skill, it grows with patience, consistency, and lots of practice.
Use this template to support your childâs emotional regulation by practicing these strategies before big emotions happen. đ
Itâs the practice outside of challenging moments that helps children remember and use these coping skills when they need them most. The more they practice while theyâre calm, the more likely theyâll be able to regulate their emotions, overcome challenges, and return to a calm, ready-to-learn state. đ
