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

The weeks leading up to school returning can feel… a lot.There’s excitement, nerves, resistance, big feelings — sometimes all in the same hour. From an Occupational Therapy (OT) perspective, this lead-up period isn’t about forcing kids back into “school mode.”It’s about gently preparing nervous systems, routines, and expectations so the transition feels safer and more manageable. Here are some key things to think about in the weeks before school returns. 1. Think “Nervous Sy