By Michelle Faber, Founder of Little Yogis Academy & Busy Minds Education
Emotional regulation is a crucial skill for kids to develop, helping them navigate big feelings in a healthy and constructive way. As a children’s yoga and mindfulness educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right tools can be in teaching little ones how to manage their emotions. Today, I’m excited to share two of my favorite resources for supporting emotional regulation in kids: the Hand2Mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles and our Space Self-Esteem Craftivity.
Why Emotional Regulation Matters
Children experience a wide range of emotions daily, and without the right guidance, these emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming. Teaching kids to recognize, name, and manage their feelings not only helps them in the moment but also fosters resilience, self-awareness, and confidence as they grow.
Hand2Mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles: A Must-Have Tool
One of my favorite tools for teaching emotional regulation is the Hand2Mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles. These beautifully designed bottles help children visually and physically process emotions in a calming and engaging way. Each bottle is filled with different materials that mimic emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and worry, providing a hands-on experience that helps kids learn to self-soothe.
How to Use Them:
Mindful Breathing Practice – Encourage kids to shake the bottle and then take deep breaths as they watch the contents settle. This helps them slow down and regain control of their emotions.
Naming Emotions – Ask children to pick the bottle that represents how they’re feeling and use it as a conversation starter.
Calm Down Corner – Place the sensory bottles in a designated area where kids can go when they need to reset and refocus.
Boosting Confidence with Our Space Self-Esteem Craftivity
Another amazing tool for fostering emotional well-being is our Space Self-Esteem Craftivity. This is the perfect confidence craft to add to your social-emotional learning program or use as an engaging icebreaker. It’s also great for lunch bunch, small counseling groups, or primary homerooms.
In this activity, students will focus on acts of kindness or moments of bravery that they have demonstrated—things that make them a true superstar! By reflecting on their strengths and accomplishments, children build self-esteem and learn to appreciate their own unique qualities.
How to Use It:
SEL Lessons – Incorporate it into a social-emotional learning curriculum to reinforce positive self-talk and self-awareness.
Classroom Icebreaker – Use it at the start of the school year or during transitions to help students connect with one another.
Counseling Groups – A great tool for small group discussions on self-worth and personal growth.
More Tips for Teaching Emotional Regulation
Beyond sensory bottles and confidence-boosting activities, here are a few other simple and effective ways to help kids manage their emotions:
Yoga and Movement – Physical activity helps children release pent-up energy and frustration while promoting relaxation.
Breathing Exercises – Techniques like belly breathing or “flower and candle breathing” (inhale like smelling a flower, exhale like blowing out a candle) can be incredibly effective in calming anxious feelings.
Mindfulness Activities – Practicing gratitude, guided meditation, and body awareness exercises can help children stay present and grounded.
Final Thoughts
Teaching emotional regulation doesn’t have to be complicated—it just requires patience, consistency, and the right tools! The Hand2Mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles and our Space Self-Esteem Craftivity are excellent resources to support kids in their journey toward emotional awareness, confidence, and self-regulation. Whether in a classroom, childcare center, or at home, these tools provide a fun and effective way for kids to connect with their emotions in a safe and meaningful way.
What are your favorite tools for helping kids regulate their emotions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!My Favorite Tools for Teaching Emotional Regulation to Kids
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