Helping Kids Regulate Behaviors

Long story short; Occupational Therapists help people recover and regulate. Among the psychosocial conditions, anxiety disorder is the third prevalent mental disorder affecting children aged 3-17 years (CDC, 2019). So our mindset is built around evaluating the situation and helping people adapt. Here are some tips to help those little ones (and even adults) regulate:

Sleep is Key

Keep a night routine to keep consistent 

Comfortable bedding. This may include a weighted blanket at first, but we don’t recommend weighted blankets all night.

Calming Music/Lights

Having the child sleep in their own bed, a tent over the bed may make it more fun.

Body pillows can help with giving your child some comfort. 

Nutrition

Eating healthy is important for function.

If you have major concerns about your child’s limited food repertoire or “picky eating” seek out a therapist who is trained.

Children are recommended to have 10 sources of protein, 10 fruits/veggies and 10 other/starches

Making a total of about 30 different foods

Helping Regulate You Child

It sounds simple; but watch their facial expressions and body language. 

Try not to overwhelm with an activity, possibly ending up in a shutdown.

On the other hand, also try to pay attention to their arousal level. Limit an activity that’s getting them so wound up that it’s hard to get them back down.

If they’re at a meltdown, try calming activities that seem to work for them.

Where does OT Play a part?

OT’s are a great resource for therapy for implementing evidence-based mental health promotion for: Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Yoga and more!

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at smplytherapy@gmail.com