By Dr. Vini Jhariya | Child & Clinical Psychologist | Founder, Urjasvini Child Development Center, Indore
We’ve all seen it—your child breaks into tears, throws a tantrum, or shuts down completely over something that seems minor. But for children, these emotions are big, overwhelming, and hard to manage.
Emotional regulation is not something children are born with—it’s a skill they need to develop, and you, as a parent, play a central role in guiding them. In this blog, we’ll explore simple, evidence-based strategies to help your child build emotional awareness, control, and resilience.
Why Emotional Regulation Matters
Learning to manage emotions is essential for lifelong mental and emotional well-being. Children who are taught emotional regulation early on are more likely to:
- Handle stress and frustration in a healthy way
- Resolve conflicts calmly and constructively
- Build strong friendships and social skills
- Develop healthy self-esteem and independence
In our behaviour counselling sessions, we often see that emotional regulation is a cornerstone of helping children cope with childhood disorders, anxiety, and low confidence.
Why Some Children Struggle with Emotional Regulation
There are several reasons children may find it difficult to manage their emotions:
- Brain Development – The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, is still growing.
- Sensory Overload – Bright lights, loud sounds, or crowds can lead to emotional meltdowns.
- Limited Emotional Vocabulary – If children can’t name their feelings, they can’t manage them.
- Parental Modeling – Children absorb how you respond to stress. Yelling, withdrawing, or overreacting can teach similar responses.
5 Strategies to Teach Emotional Regulation to Children
1. Help Them Name the Emotion
Before children can regulate their emotions, they need to recognize and label them.
Say things like:
“You seem frustrated that the game ended.”
“Are you feeling sad because your toy broke?”
This approach builds emotional vocabulary and normalizes their feelings.
2. Practice Calming Techniques
Equip your child with easy tools they can use to feel better:
- Deep Breathing (Smell the flower, blow the candle)
- Counting Slowly to 10
- Squeezing a Stress Ball
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
In counselor therapist sessions, we teach these methods as part of daily coping strategies—not just for meltdowns, but for everyday challenges.
3. Set Up a Calm-Down Corner
Designate a peaceful space at home filled with soft toys, pillows, or sensory tools. Let your child know it’s a safe retreat, not a punishment zone.
“When you’re upset, you can take a break in your calm space to feel better.”
4. Be a Role Model
Your reactions teach your child how to handle tough emotions. Instead of shouting, try:
“I’m feeling overwhelmed. I need a moment to breathe.”
This shows them that even adults feel big emotions—and it’s okay.
5. Focus on Solving, Not Suppressing
Avoid saying “Stop crying” or “Calm down.” Instead, guide them to solutions:
“What can we do to feel better right now?”
“Would hugging your teddy help?”
This supports independence, emotional awareness, and resilience.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child’s emotional struggles are:
- Intense and frequent
- Interfering with school, friendships, or daily routines
- Leading to aggression, anxiety, or social withdrawal
…it may be time to consult a counselor, therapist, or child psychologist. At Urjasvini Child Development Center, we provide expert behaviour counselling and tailored support for childhood disorders.
Final Thoughts from a Child Psychologist
Teaching emotional regulation is not about suppressing emotions—it’s about helping your child recognize, express, and healthily manage their feelings. With time, consistency, and compassion, you’re giving them the tools to grow into confident and emotionally intelligent individuals.