Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling

Helping children build emotional regulation skills is one of the most impactful things parents can do for their long-term mental and relational health. Kids aren't born knowing how to calm down, identify feelings, or tolerate frustration- these skills are learned over time with support, modeling, and practice.  As play therapists, we see every day that emotional regulation is the foundation for healthy behavior, friendships, learning, and confidence. Here are 12 emotional regulation skills your child can begin practicing this year-no matter their age or developmental stage.  1. Identifying Feelings in the Body Children learn emotions first through sensation before they learn language. Teach them to notice: Tight chest → "Maybe I'm feeling worried." Hot face → "Maybe I'm feeling mad." Heavy body → "Maybe I'm safe or tired." This body-first awareness builds confidence and reduces meltdowns.  2. Naming Emotions Accurately You can use: Feelin...