Four Powerful Strategies for Big Emotions

Emotional regulation can be a challenge, especially for neurodivergent children who experience emotions in a big way.

As caregivers, therapists, and educators, we can create a supportive environment that helps children feel safe, understood, and empowered in managing their emotions.

Here are four powerful strategies to support children through big emotions.

1. Regulate Yourself First

A dysregulated adult cannot regulate a dysregulated child. Kids often mirror the emotional state of the adults around them, so before responding to their distress, take a moment to check in with yourself.

Strategy: Pause, take a deep breath, and approach the situation from a place of compassion. Instead of reacting, focus on understanding their experience and modeling calm regulation.

Activity: Model self-regulation out loud. Say, “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take a deep breath and count to five.” This teaches kids that emotions are normal and gives them tools to navigate their own.

2. Co-Regulation & Connection Before Correction

Before teaching coping strategies or problem-solving, children need to feel safe and connected. When they feel supported, their nervous system can begin to regulate.

Strategy: Use a calm tone, slow movements, and validate their emotions. Say, “I see you're feeling really big feelings right now. I'm here to help.” Your presence alone may be enough to help them begin to regulate.

Activity: Teach parents and professionals to use a calming presence through deep breathing, gentle touch (if welcomed), or mirroring emotions with a soothing voice. When children feel seen and understood, they are more likely to engage in regulation strategies.

3. Body Awareness & Interoception Support

Many children struggle with recognizing their internal body cues for stress, discomfort, or emotions. Without this awareness, it can be difficult for them to self-regulate.

Strategy: Help kids tune into their bodies with activities like body scans, deep-pressure input (hugs, weighted blankets), or guided relaxation techniques.

Activity: Play the “Where do you feel it?” game—ask kids to point to where in their body they feel emotions (stomach, chest, hands, etc.). Pair this with visual supports like a feelings chart or AAC tools to build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.

4. Sensory Support Throughout the Day

Many children rely on sensory input to regulate their nervous system. Understanding and meeting these needs proactively can prevent emotional overwhelm.

Strategy: Incorporate heavy work activities (pushing a wall, carrying a weighted backpack, animal walks) to help regulate the nervous system before emotions escalate.

Activity: Teach a “Power Move” routine—3-5 structured heavy work exercises a child can do when dysregulated. For children who seek oral input, offer alternatives like chewable necklaces or gum to help meet sensory needs.

Remember: If a child doesn’t like hugs when they’re dysregulated, don’t force physical contact. Your calm presence may be enough to help them feel safe and supported.

Want to Learn More?

Helping children navigate big emotions requires a deep understanding of sensory needs, regulation strategies, and neuroaffirming support. Inside the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy, we dive into topics like emotional regulation, sensory strategies, and communication techniques—giving you practical tools to support the children you work with.

With over 30+ hours of content and a community of 1,000+ professionals, the Academy is your one-stop shop for learning neuroaffirming strategies that make a difference. And the best part? You can join today for just $97 for the entire year!

Ready to level up your neuroaffirming approach? Join the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy here!