Emotional Regulation in Everyday Life

Big feelings are a part of growing up—learning how to manage them is a key part of development.

Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, express, and manage emotions in a way that’s appropriate for the situation. It’s not about avoiding feelings—it’s about learning how to respond to them. At Light Occupational Therapy, we support children to build the tools they need to manage big emotions in everyday life—at home, in school, and in social settings.

Whether it’s settling after a meltdown, coping with frustration, or expressing excitement in a safe way, emotional regulation is a skill that can be developed—and OT can help.

What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation includes a range of skills that help children respond to feelings like anger, sadness, anxiety, or excitement in a healthy way. These skills don’t always come naturally, and they can be especially tricky to develop without support.

Occupational therapists help children:

• Recognise and name their emotions
• Understand what triggers those feelings
• Develop coping strategies for managing stress
• Use calming tools and sensory supports
• Build routines that support regulation throughout the day

When children feel in control of their emotions, they’re more likely to engage in play, learning, and social connection.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters

Regulation isn’t about “behaving”—it’s about feeling safe and supported enough to respond with flexibility. Here’s why developing emotional regulation is so important:

• It builds resilience. When children learn to cope with difficult feelings, they’re better prepared for life’s challenges.
• It reduces overwhelm. Tools like breathing, movement, or breaks can prevent emotional escalation.
• It improves relationships. Children who can communicate how they feel are more likely to build positive connections with others.
• It supports learning. A regulated nervous system is better able to focus, follow instructions, and try new things.

These aren’t just skills for childhood—they’re essential for lifelong wellbeing.

Signs a Child Might Need Support with Emotional Regulation

While every child has tricky moments, some signs your child may benefit from support include:

• Frequent meltdowns/shutdowns
• Difficulty calming down without help
• Avoiding certain activities or environments
• Experiencing heightened sensitivity in group environments
• Trouble transitioning between tasks or routines
• Showing signs of anxiety, frustration, or withdrawal

If any of these sound familiar, an OT can help you better understand what’s going on beneath the surface—and provide practical, personalised strategies to support your child.

How OT Helps with Emotional Regulation

At Light OT, we look beyond behaviour to understand what’s driving the response. We create safe, supportive environments where children can explore emotions, practice regulation strategies, and develop a stronger sense of self.

Our approach might include:

• Sensory strategies to support a calm nervous system
• Visual tools like emotion charts or break cards
• Role play, storytelling, or games to explore feelings
• Movement breaks or regulation routines
• Parent coaching and practical tools to use at home

Every strategy is tailored to the child—because emotional regulation isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Supporting Emotional Growth at Home

You play a key role in helping your child learn to regulate emotions. Here are some simple ways to support them:

• Stay calm and co-regulate—your calm helps theirs
• Name the feeling: “You’re feeling frustrated because…”
• Use visuals, timers, or checklists for transitions
• Create a calm corner or regulation toolkit at home
• Praise effort, not just outcomes: “You took a break when you felt upset—great job using your tools!”

Remember: regulation is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time, practice, and support.

Let’s Build Emotional Confidence—Together

All children deserve to feel safe, understood, and capable. Emotional regulation isn’t about stopping big feelings—it’s about helping kids navigate them with confidence.

If your child is struggling with regulation, reach out. Contact us to learn how we can support your child to build emotional strength, connection, and calm—one step at a time.