Emotional Regulation Game Guide

30 Brain-Based Games you can play with your kids that are scientifically proven to turn Chaos into Calm.

“NO! I WANT THE BLUE CUP!!”

“I’M NOT LEAVING THE PARK!”

“NO! NO! NO! NO BEDTIME!!”

There are SO many things that can set off a new human. Their brains are still under construction and that means emotional regulation is… shaky.

The good news is, there are tons of evidence based games you can play that can short circuit, bypass, or significantly limit a tantrum.

Here are some of my favorites and I’ll link my full Emotional Regulation Game Guide with 30 total games at the bottom.

1. Water Shake

Get your kids to Shake their wrists, feet, or even head (gently.) Tell them to “Shake like you're a big smelly dog shaking water off! Go go go!” They might need an example so you go ahead and do it too! Chances are you could use a little regulation too!

How it works

For some kids shaking their head provides vestibular and proprioceptive input which in turn releases endorphins/ other neurotransmitters that promote a sense of calm and grounded-ness. Physical movement generally can also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

2. Magic Ears

You have magic calming powers! Did you know?

Just say, “I am a magic wizard and I can use my fingers to give you powers just like this!” Then gently rub your child’s earlobes.

How it works

Sounds whoo whoo but the gentle pressure on their earlobes has been shown to activate acupressure points that influence the vagus nerve. Games like this one that stimulate of the vagus nerve have been directly shown to (in turn) activate the parasympathetic nervous system which lowers heart rate and decreases the release of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline)….

Three more life changing games below this line as well as a link to download my PDF of 30 emotional regulation games formatted to fit on your phone. Subscribe to support my work and keep reading!