By Hayley Winter
Emotional regulation is a critical skill for children to develop, as it helps them navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience and understanding. For many children, learning to manage their emotions can be challenging, especially in stressful or overwhelming situations. The calming kittens from TTS offer a gentle and effective way to support emotional regulation, making them a valuable tool in both home and educational settings.
In this blog, we’ll explore how these adorable kittens and their accompanying activity cards can help children develop emotional regulation skills. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate them into a sensory emotional regulation space to create a calming environment that promotes emotional well-being.
Understanding Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation involves recognising, understanding, and managing one’s emotions in a healthy way. For young children, this process is often guided by adults, but with the right tools, they can begin to learn how to self-soothe, express their feelings, and develop coping strategies.
The calming kittens are specifically designed to help children with this process. The soft, tactile nature of the kittens provides comfort, while the activity cards offer structured guidance on how to use the kittens to explore and manage emotions.
How Calming Kittens Support Emotional Regulation
The calming kittens are more than just plush toys; they are companions that children can turn to when they need comfort or a moment of peace. Here’s how they can be used to support emotional regulation:
Tactile Soothing:
The soft texture of the calming kittens can provide sensory comfort to children who are feeling anxious, upset, or overwhelmed. Holding or stroking the kittens can help children calm down, as the repetitive motion and soothing touch engage the senses and promote relaxation. This tactile experience is particularly beneficial for children who find comfort in physical sensations, such as those with sensory processing needs.
Emotional Expression:
Children often find it easier to express their feelings when they have a physical object to focus on. The calming kittens can serve as a non-judgmental listener or even a proxy for the child’s emotions. For example, a child might say, “The kitten feels sad today,” as a way to express their own sadness. This indirect expression can be a stepping stone to more direct communication about feelings.
Guided Activities:
The accompanying activity cards are an essential part of the calming kittens set. These cards provide structured activities that help children identify their emotions and practice strategies for managing them. Activities include: breathing exercises, visualisation techniques, or simple mindfulness practices, all centred around the calming presence of the kittens.
Creating a Sensory Emotional Regulation Space
A sensory emotional regulation space is a designated area where children can go to calm down, process their emotions, and regain a sense of control. Incorporating the calming kittens and activity cards into this space can enhance its effectiveness, providing children with tools to self-regulate in a nurturing environment such as this sensory space.
Designing the Space:
When creating a sensory emotional regulation space, consider the following elements:
- Comfort: Include soft cushions, blankets, and, of course, the calming kittens. The goal is to create a space where children feel safe and secure.
- Lighting: Soft, dim lighting can help create a calming atmosphere. Avoid harsh lights, which can be overstimulating.
- Sensory Elements: In addition to the calming kittens, consider including other sensory items like stress balls, weighted blankets, or sensory bottles. These can provide additional outlets for children to engage their senses and find comfort.
- Quiet: This space should be quiet and free from distractions. It’s a place for children to retreat to when they need to focus on their emotions and find their calm.