Emotional regulation is the ability to notice, understand, and manage our feelings so that we can respond—not react—to life’s challenges. For children aged 9–12 , this skill becomes increasingly important as school demands, friendships, and independence all grow. As occupational therapists, we often support families to understand what is developmentally expected at this age, and why some children—particularly neurodivergent children—may experience differences in how they navi

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice feelings, understand them, and respond in a helpful way. Ages 6–8 are a key stage where children grow rapidly in this area. ✨ What You’ll Typically See (Ages 6–8) 1. Better awareness of feelings ●      Can label basic emotions ●      Start noticing body cues and triggers 2. Slight pause before reacting ●      More able to “think first” ●      Might take a break or ask for help 3. Early problem-solving ●      Can consider simple

Emotional regulation is one of the most important developmental skills emerging during the preschool years. Between ages 3–5, children are learning how to understand their feelings , use strategies to calm their bodies , and express emotions in ways that are safe and socially appropriate . This learning doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a gradual process shaped by sensory development, communication skills, social experiences, and brain maturation. As Occupational Therapists, we

At this age, children  cannot regulate emotions on their own —they borrow the caregiver’s calm until their brains mature. 🌱 Ages 1–2: Early Toddler Emotional Regulation At this stage, regulation is mostly  co-regulation . Skills They Can Begin to Show Seeking a caregiver  when upset (crying, reaching up, coming for comfort) Using simple gestures/words  to express needs (“up,” “all done,” “no,” “mama”) Self-soothing basics  (sucking thumb/pacifier, holding a comfort object) B