Here are some coping strategies to use during emotional outburst
- Counting to ten
- Drinking a sip of water
- Taking deep breaths
- Asking for a hug
- Asking for space
- Using the 5 senses
- Having a calm down corner
Games to play to teach emotional regulation
- Body awareness games (Twister, Simon Says)
- Turning taking games (UNO, Trouble, Sorry)
Heavy work activities to calm down
- Pushing weighted basket
- Carrying backpack
- Climbing
Emotional regulation is a journey and can be challenging for parents if it is not a skill you have mastered. Modeling this skill and showing your child how you use the tools can go a long way. They are watching and listening even if they don’t show mastery right away. Let’s be honest, as adults most of us are still working on mastering this skill!
Did you know occupational therapy can help you and your child with this?
