Regulation Resources: A book, posters, an app and a craft!

Sponsored Post:  This post was sponsored by A Hop, Skip and a Jump Ahead. 

Feel it!
Say it!
Calm it!
Solve it!

Such catchy phrases to share with your children to work on regulation.  Better still, they are grounded in principles like interoception  (a sense that provides information about the internal condition of our body—how our body is feeling on the inside), self awareness and co-regulation; using cognitive, sensory and emotional strategies to aid regulation. 

These phrases were created by Nan Arkwright, occupational therapist, in her book  "Mission Control: A Big Feelings Adventure".  This book is an engaging comic style/graphic novel style book suitable for children 4 - 10 years of age.  The graphics are appealing to children and the story of a young boy (Joseph) who has a big reaction to turning off the TV at bed time, is relatable.  Joseph's mother "shares her calm" and Joseph goes on an adventure into space to find a way to manage his big emotions and grow as well. 

I really love this book! As an occupational therapist, I've used it with a few of the children that I'm seeing with regulation issues and it has been perfect. The children are completely engaged with the graphics and the story.  I'm so impressed with how the book has integrated interoception principles, co-regulation principles, calm-down strategies, problem solving, parent regulation, sensory strategies... and lots more in a child friendly way. 

You can find out more about this book -> MISSION CONTROL : A BIG FEELINGS ADVENTURE.

To enable the children I see to have a "take home message", I've used the catchphrases from the book to inspire two regulation posters (created with permission). In addition to the four phrases mentioned above, the characters also encourage you to "borrow it, grow it, breathe it, control it, bounce it, imagine it and believe it". 

You can download these posters ---> FREE from the YKOT shop.
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Whilst  the posters work perfectly with the book, the messages can be generalised too. 

For younger children, the Sesame Street "Breathe Think Do" app has been a wonderful way to simplify the problem solving framework in a relatable way.  Helping the monster to "breathe", you can watch the monster physically become calmer.  Pop the bubble to "think" of solutions.  Choose an option available (they are all suitable) and then "do".  The monster shows you what happens if you go ahead with your chosen option.   What a small video of this app ->Sesame Street "breathe think do". 
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A post shared by Cindy @ Your Kids OT ✏️□□□□ (@yourkidsot)

We know that deep breathing can be something children (and adults) struggle to do properly. Breathing helps us to regulate our bodies.  Breathing can slow our heartbeat, lower stress and calm our bodies down. This fun "Dragon Breathing" craft has been a good way to encourage children to take a deep breath and to continue to breathe in and out. 

Paint or colour a toilet paper roll.  Attach strands of crepe paper to one end of the roll.  

Push the strands of crepe paper into the end of the roll.  Place your mouth on the other end.  Take a deep breath in and then push their air through the roll so that the crepe paper flies out.  You could skip the "stuffing" part and simply have your child blow the crepe paper so that it moves. 

Can't see the video below?  Watch it - > Dragon Breathing craft.  

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A post shared by Cindy @ Your Kids OT ✏️□□□□ (@yourkidsot)

Find more regulation resources ---> Social Emotional Learning and Regulation. 

We can all benefit from the reminder to "feel it, say it, calm it and solve it" ! Don't forget to download your free posters. Let me know if you use the posters, the book, the app or the craft! 
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​Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. â€‹â€‹â€‹
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