Emotional Regulation – How OT Can Help Kids with Big Feelings

Occupational therapy session

All children have big emotions—but some find it harder to manage them. If your child experiences frequent meltdowns, struggles with transitions, or has difficulty calming down, they may need support with emotional regulation.

Occupational therapists work with children and families to build self-awareness, coping strategies, and routines that support emotional control throughout the day.

😤 What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation is the ability to:

• Recognise feelings

• Respond to emotions in an appropriate way

• Return to a calm state after being upset or excited

• Use coping tools to manage stress

These skills develop gradually, but if your child struggles well beyond what’s typical for their age, early support can make a big difference.

🔍 Signs Your Child May Need Help with Emotional Regulation

• Frequent meltdowns or outbursts

• Difficulty calming down after getting upset

• Explosive reactions to small triggers

• Trouble handling change or unexpected events

• Overreaction to sensory input (e.g. noise, textures)

• Withdraws or shuts down when overwhelmed

• Struggles with peer interactions due to poor self-regulation

These patterns can impact your child’s success at school, social confidence, and family harmony.

🏠 Emotional Regulation Strategies to Try at Home

• Create a calm-down space: A quiet area with cushions, books, or sensory toys

• Use visuals: Emotion cards or “zones of regulation” charts

• Practice naming emotions through books or daily conversations

• Deep breathing games: Blow bubbles, pretend to blow up a balloon

• Heavy work activities: Wall push-ups, carrying books, animal walks

• Use a feelings journal or colouring sheets to process after the fact

Practice these strategies when your child is calm, not during a meltdown.

📥 When to Refer to an OT for Emotional Regulation

• Your child’s emotional responses are intense, frequent, or unpredictable

• You’ve tried strategies at home with limited success

• Emotions are affecting sleep, relationships, or school readiness

• There’s an overlap with sensory processing or attention concerns

• You’re unsure and would like tailored support

Occupational therapy can help children build emotional literacy, self-regulation tools, and positive routines for managing big feelings.

💬 Support Your Child’s Emotional Development

We’ll work with your child—and you—to develop realistic, effective strategies for handling tricky moments and building resilience.

📍 Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy or Shellharbour Occupational Therapy

📅 Book via HotDoc:

🔗 Book Now – Shoalhaven: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/nowra-NSW-2541/shoalhavenot-au/doctors

🔗 Book Now – Shellharbour: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/barrack-heights-NSW-2528/shellharbour-occupational-therapy/doctors