How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation in Young Children

Big Emotions, Little Bodies: How OT Helps Children Learn to Regulate

At Day by Day Early Intervention, we often hear from parents and educators:

“They just go from 0 to 100 so quickly.”

“Transitions are such a challenge.”

“They can’t calm down once they’re upset.”

And you’re not alone. Emotional regulation is one of the most common challenges we see in early childhood—and it’s one of the most powerful areas occupational therapy can support.

In this post, we’ll explain how occupational therapy for emotional regulation works, why it matters in early intervention, and what you can expect from us as we walk alongside you and your child.

What Is Emotional Regulation?

Put simply, emotional regulation is the ability to manage emotions in a way that’s healthy and appropriate for the situation. It includes things like:

• Recovering after getting upset

• Handling frustration without aggression

• Waiting or transitioning between activities

• Managing sensory overload (noise, movement, textures)

• Expressing needs and emotions in a safe way

For little ones still developing language, sensory processing, and self-awareness, this can be really tricky.

That’s where occupational therapy comes in.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation

Through play-based and family-centered approaches, our OTs help children:

• Understand how their body feels when they're overwhelmed

• Learn calming strategies (like movement, deep pressure, or visuals)

• Create predictable routines that reduce stress and anxiety

• Use visuals or AAC tools to express needs without meltdowns

• Build resilience through safe, structured challenges

• Develop body awareness and self-monitoring skills

• Practice co-regulation alongside a trusted adult

And most importantly — we teach caregivers how to support these strategies at home, at kindy, and in the community.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Regulation is foundational. Before children can sit at the table, learn a new word, or join a group activity, they need to feel safe and in control of their body and emotions.

When we support emotional regulation through occupational therapy, we’re setting the stage for better relationships, smoother transitions, and more joyful participation in everyday routines.

What This Might Look Like in Practice

Here are a few real-world examples of goals we’ve worked on:

• Helping a child tolerate putting on socks without a meltdown

• Creating a sensory-friendly morning routine for a child who struggles to leave the house

• Supporting a kindy-aged child to use a visual "calm plan" when frustrated

• Teaching a parent how to spot signs of dysregulation early, and what to do next

We do this with toys, visuals, movement, music, and lots of support — all tailored to what your child loves and needs.

We Work Together—You’re Not Doing This Alone

We know that dysregulation doesn’t just impact the child—it affects the whole family. That’s why our approach is collaborative. We coach you along the way, celebrate the wins (big and small), and adapt strategies to your daily life.

Whether it’s building a calm-down corner at home or helping a kindy educator implement a sensory break routine, we work alongside you to make it doable.

Let’s Support Your Child’s Regulation Together

If your child struggles with big feelings, sensory challenges, or transitions, occupational therapy for emotional regulation could make a big difference.

📍 Now based in Port Adelaide & Goodwood

📞 0460 885 008

📧 support@daybyday.kids

🌐 www.daybyday.kids

Let’s work together to build calm, confident, connected children—day by day.