Teaching Toddlers Emotional Regulation Through Play

Damy Manuel Navigating Toddler Behavior 6 min read


Introduction

Emotions run high in a toddler’s world. From the excitement of discovering new things to the frustration of hearing “no,” toddlers experience a whirlwind of feelings daily. Yet, they’re just beginning to learn how to navigate and express these emotions.

Teaching emotional regulation—the ability to manage and respond to emotions in constructive ways—is a cornerstone of healthy development. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to foster this skill is through play. Play not only engages toddlers but also offers a safe space to practice identifying, expressing, and regulating emotions.

This article explores the significance of emotional regulation, how play supports this development, and practical games and activities you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters


1. The Foundation for Lifelong Skills

Emotional regulation in early years forms the foundation for social and emotional well-being.

Emotional regulation helps toddlers build healthy relationships, cope with challenges, and make better decisions. When toddlers learn to manage their emotions, they’re more likely to communicate effectively and adapt to changing situations as they grow.

Key Insight:

Studies show that children who develop strong emotional regulation skills tend to have better academic success and social relationships in later years.

Read more on long-term Behavioural skills in our article: The Importance of Routine in Managing Toddler Behaviour.


2. Challenges Toddlers Face with Emotions

Toddlers often struggle to express emotions verbally, leading to meltdowns or tantrums.

Toddlers experience intense emotions but lack the vocabulary and cognitive skills to process them. They rely on caregivers to guide them through these feelings and provide tools for managing stress or frustration.

Actionable Takeaway:

Use play as a non-verbal medium to help toddlers explore and express emotions in a way they understand.

How Play Supports Emotional Regulation


1. Play as a Safe Emotional Outlet

Creative play allows toddlers to express feelings like frustration or excitement in a controlled environment.

Play offers toddlers a way to release pent-up emotions in a healthy manner. Activities like moulding clay, building blocks, or drawing help them channel energy and frustrations productively.

How-to:

Offer materials like playdough or washable markers to encourage self-expression.

Join in their play to model positive ways of handling emotions, like calmly rebuilding a tower after it falls.


2. Role-Playing for Empathy Building

Pretend play helps toddlers understand emotions from different perspectives, building empathy.

Pretend play fosters empathy by helping toddlers explore how others feel. Acting out scenarios—like comforting a crying doll or pretending to share toys—teaches them to recognize and respond to emotions.

How-to:

Set up a pretend scenario, such as a teddy bear picnic, where toddlers can practice taking turns and sharing.

Use toys to model emotional situations, like a stuffed animal feeling sad, and guide them through offering comfort.

Explore related activities in: How to Foster Cooperation in Toddlers Without Bribery.


3. Games to Teach Self-Regulation

Structured games help toddlers practice impulse control and emotional self-regulation.

Structured games like “Simon Says” or “Red Light, Green Light” teach toddlers how to pause, listen, and respond appropriately. These activities improve their ability to manage impulses and follow directions.

How-to:

Start with simple games that require attention and self-control.

Gradually increase the complexity as your toddler becomes more adept at managing their impulses.

Practical Activities to Teach Emotional Regulation


1. Emotion-Themed Storytime

Storybooks about emotions help toddlers identify and name their feelings.

Reading stories about emotions is a powerful way to introduce concepts like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. Use books with relatable characters and vivid illustrations to keep your toddler engaged.

How-to:

Choose age-appropriate books like The Color Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry.

Pause during reading to ask questions like, “How do you think the character feels right now?”

Discover more helpful tools in Best Parenting Books for Managing Toddler Behaviour: A Parent’s Guide


2. Feelings Matching Game

Matching games help toddlers recognize and differentiate emotions.

Games that involve matching faces with emotions can sharpen your toddler’s ability to recognize feelings in themselves and others.

How-to:

Create or purchase cards with pictures of faces expressing different emotions.

Encourage your toddler to match the cards to emotion words or scenarios.

Reinforce the activity by mimicking the emotions together.


3. Calm-Down Jars

Calm-down jars provide a visual way to teach mindfulness and self-soothing techniques.

Calm-down jars are filled with water, glitter, and glue. When shaken, the glitter swirls before slowly settling, providing a soothing visual cue for calming down.

How-to:

Involve your toddler in making their own calm-down jar.

Use the jar during moments of frustration, saying, “Let’s watch the glitter settle while we take deep breaths.”

Read more about calming strategies in: How to Calm an Overstimulated Toddler Quickly and Safely.


4. Yoga and Movement Play

Gentle yoga exercises teach toddlers mindfulness and body awareness.

Movement-based play, such as yoga or dance, helps toddlers connect with their bodies and channel their emotions constructively. Simple yoga poses or guided breathing exercises promote relaxation and focus.

How-to:

Introduce poses like “cat-cow” or “tree pose” with fun, descriptive names.

Use a child-friendly yoga video or guide to lead sessions.

Encourage deep breathing: “Pretend to blow out birthday candles.”


5. Art as Emotional Expression

Artistic activities encourage toddlers to express complex emotions non-verbally.

Artistic activities like painting, colouring, or crafting provide an outlet for expressing emotions. The freedom to create without rules allows toddlers to explore their feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

How-to:

Provide washable paints, crayons, or chalk for creative expression.

Ask open-ended questions: “What are you feeling while drawing this?”

Avoid directing their art to ensure it remains an authentic outlet.

Expert Insights: Long-Term Benefits of Play-Based Emotional Regulation

Play-based approaches nurture emotional intelligence and resilience in toddlers.

Children who practice emotional regulation through play are better equipped to handle challenges, communicate effectively, and develop empathy. Play also strengthens the caregiver-child bond, building a foundation of trust and support.

Conclusion: Turning Play into a Learning Tool

Teaching toddlers emotional regulation doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Through engaging and interactive play, you can equip your little one with essential skills to navigate their emotions confidently. These activities not only make learning fun but also create lasting memories and deepen your connection with your child.

For more parenting strategies, explore:

How to Handle Toddler Power Struggles with Confidence

Is My Toddler’s Behaviour Normal? Signs to Look For

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