ADHD and emotional regulation are closely connected for many children in school settings. While inattention and hyperactivity are the most recognized signs of ADHD, difficulties managing emotions are also a common and significant part of how this condition shows up in daily life. These emotional challenges can affect how children perform in class, interact with […]
Does your child sometimes feel overwhelmed by big emotions: a racing heart, shaky hands, a tight tummy and not know what to do with all of that? When My Feelings Get Too Big is a song designed to help kids recognize the body signals that come with big feelings and practice simple, effective calm-down steps […]
Pathological demand avoidance in students is one of the more misunderstood profiles that school-based professionals encounter. Students who experience this profile may appear defiant, unpredictable, or emotionally volatile, but what looks like willful noncompliance is more accurately understood as an anxiety-driven, neurological response to perceived loss of control. For educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and […]
Supporting children’s emotional intelligence helps them understand their feelings, build empathy, develop self-control, and navigate social situations successfully. The 20 ways to teach emotional intelligence make it easy, fun, and meaningful for kids at school, in therapy sessions, or at home. Read below or watch the video. Don’t forget to check out the complete Fun […]
Helping children explore the connection between music and emotions is a powerful way to build self-awareness, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. This free activity is an easy, engaging lesson you can use in the classroom, therapy sessions, counseling groups, or at home. Best of all, you can download a FREE printable reflection worksheet and pair it […]
Affirmations are everywhere in education right now: posters, sticky notes on desks, locker mirrors, and classroom doors. For students, those simple phrases like “I can handle this,” “I’m still learning,” or “I can calm my body” aren’t just feel-good slogans. They are one small piece of a much bigger system: how children use language with […]
When students seem to “snap,” shut down, or lose control, it is easy to assume they are being defiant or disrespectful. In reality, many of these reactions come from automatic processes inside the emotional intelligence brain, the system that helps us identify emotions, read social cues, and regulate behavior. At the center of this system […]
Children experience the world in ways that can sometimes feel overwhelming. One helpful way to explain these experiences is through the emotional cup analogy. Imagine that every sensory or emotional event a child encounters adds water to their cup. A scratchy tag on a shirt may only add a little water, while being overtired or […]
Help your students understand anger and cope with big feelings using these angry worksheets and The Angry Song. Anger is a natural and valid emotion, one that everyone experiences from time to time. But for children, especially in school or social settings, learning to manage anger in safe and healthy ways is a crucial part […]
Young learners, especially those with developmental delays or disabilities, often experience more challenges with expressing emotions in safe, healthy ways. Difficulties with executive functioning, communication, or inhibitory control can make it harder for them to recognize emotions, choose appropriate strategies, and advocate for their needs. Without explicit instruction, children may rely on behaviors such as […]