Emotional regulation involves our ability to manage feelings and actions. Having the ability to regulate our emotions is an important skill for children as it is associated with being able to develop and maintain friendships as well as good mental health and stress management. Last month we introduced the first step in “self regulation” and that was recognizing and being able to label our feelings. The next step is to learn how to manage our feelings. Below are some books and activities that can help teach children strategies for managing emotions.
START HERE: For a good overview of what Emotional Regulation is and why it’s so important, see the article written by Parenting for the Brain. This is a great starting point. Other resources to start off with include Part 1 in our Understanding and Expressing Emotion series as well as our previous blog on Anger Management.
The books below not only introduce children to the various ways we feel but also how to manage these feelings in appropriate ways.
Books about Worry and Anxiety:
David and the Worry Beast by Ann Marie Guanci
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Books about Anger:
When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Bang
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Books about Sadness:
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner
Watch a great video that teaches children to breathe through an engaging story: Lori Lite’s Sea Otter Cove. This pairs well with the books above on worrying.
Ryan’s World video presents easy to follow instructions for making a volcano as a fun activity to pair with the books above on anger. Supplies needed include: food coloring, empty plastic soda bottle, vinegar, and baking soda.
This is an entertaining video about a little squirrel who is feeling sad and what he does that makes him feel better.
Grade Levels: Preschool through Primary
- Pre-K 3-5 yrs (preschool)
- 5-6 yrs (kindergarten)
- 6-8 yrs (primary)
Credit: ConnectionSpot.org on 05/19/2021