A message from the Acting Head of Primary School
Supporting Children with Emotional Regulation
Recently, our Education Assistants and teaching staff participated in professional learning with an Occupational Therapist from Inside Out Occupational Therapy, focusing on the important topic of emotional regulation.
Self-regulation is a child’s ability to manage their emotions and behaviour according to the situation they are in. Emotional dysregulation can occur when feelings of stress, frustration, worry, or disappointment build up and result in an emotional or behavioural outburst. For children, these reactions are often not intentional; rather, they are a sign that they are struggling to cope with strong emotions in that moment.
One of the key goals in supporting children is helping them learn how to recognise, understand, and manage these emotions in more effective ways. Emotional regulation is a skill that develops over time and, like reading or mathematics, it requires guidance, practice, and support from the adults around them. In the Primary School our students use tools such as The Mood Meter to help identify their emotions and learn appropriate regulation strategies that they can use
There are several simple and practical ways families can support emotional regulation at home:
1. Establish Predictable Routines
Children feel safer and more secure when they know what to expect. Predictable routines around mornings, meals, homework, and bedtime can reduce anxiety and help children feel more in control of their environment.
2. Model Emotional Language
Children learn a great deal by watching the adults around them. Using emotional language such as “I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths” helps children understand emotions and gives them the vocabulary to express how they are feeling.
3. Practice Co-Regulation
Children often need calm, supportive adults to help them regulate before they can do it independently. Staying calm, listening, validating feelings, and helping children problem-solve teaches them how to manage emotions more effectively over time.
4. Use Sensory Strategies
Some children benefit from sensory input to help regulate their bodies and emotions. Activities involving proprioceptive input (heavy work such as pushing, carrying, or jumping) or vestibular input (movement activities such as swinging, spinning, or balancing) can support children in feeling calmer and more organised.
Emotional regulation is a lifelong skill that develops gradually throughout childhood. By working together between home and school, we can help children build resilience, confidence, and healthy ways to manage their emotions.
Kind regards
Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary School
