Emotional

Regulation
tips & considerations
Featuring the Calm Caterpillar!
(This is a paid partnership with The Calm Caterpillar.)

By: Courtney English

OTR/L & Mom
@courtneyenglish.ot
 Just a note!

Please know that every child is unique

and has their own way of processing
emotions and regulating themselves.
This handout does not replace skilled
occupational therapy services.

DISCLAIMER:

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. THIS FREEBIE

PROVIDES EDUCATION FOR YOU TO SUPPORT
EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN YOUR CHILD!

For the Calming Caterpillar Calm Corner kit

please click right here and you will be
brought to their webstie!

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT ACCESS!

@courtneyenglish.ot
Things to consider when your child
is experiencing a big emotion

Reduce the stress/remove the “danger”, if possible. See if there is a pattern

of something that always triggers this emotion.

Designate a “safe space” in your home like a “cozy”, “safe” or “sensory”

corner. Use a tent or make an enclosed space to eliminate overwhelming
sensory input and welcome calming sensory input.

How do we do this at our house? We’ve created a calming corner with

the help of The Calm Caterpillar! See below!

CLICK HERE FOR CALMING

CATERPILLAR TO START
YOUR CALMING CORNER.
THIS INCLUDES PARENT
GUIDE, DEEP BREATHING

o r ner IDEAS, VISUALS FOR HAND

cal mc BREATHING, BREATHING

our ’s in it! BALL, COMFY SEAT, AND

d w hat WEIGHTED CATERPILLAR!

an

@courtneyenglish.ot
Things to consider when your child
is experiencing a big emotion cont.

Reassure your child that they are safe through co-regulation. Actively calm your body
and release tension in your muscles so you can be present calm enough to “lend” your
child your nervous system. Say less and model deep breathing (without instructing
them to do so).

Consider one of these things: offer them a hug and rock them side to side, sit with
them until they are ready to be soothed, or wait outside the room/cozy corner if they
seem to need space.

We have to see what type of support they are able to accept in this moment.
Sometimes all they need to co-regulate is a calm parent to be present. This can help
their nervous system feel safe and shift from fight or flight to rest and digest (in other
words meltdown —> calm). Sometimes it can take some time for your child, that’s
okay. The intensity will decrease as your child’s regulation and emotional skills
improve.

Once your child is calm, find ways to get them back to a well regulated state. In your
“safe” corner, offer calming fidgets, breathing ball, visually calming sensory toys, a
comfy seat, weighted stuffed animals, calming music and lights.

Teach emotional regulation through playful experiences. Practice mindfulness, visual

breathing with breathing ball, sensory bins, and bubbles. Do not instruct your child to
deep breathing when they are actively upset until they have mastered the skill during
non threatening and playful way. I have watched my daughter take deep breaths on
her own independently when frustrated because she has learned this in playful ways
at home. I would also say, “breathing like this feels good to our bodies and can help
up feel calm when we are worried, upset, or angry”. Keep in mind that she is still
inconsistently using deep breathing because this takes time and adequate self
regulation skills.

@courtneyenglish.ot