How to Help Kids Regulate: Real-Life Tools for Meltdowns & Big Emotions

Описание: Struggling with meltdowns, big emotions, or tough transitions? You’re not alone! In this video, occupational therapist Rachel Ashcraft shares practical, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed strategies for supporting children’s regulation—right in the moment when things feel hardest.

You’ll learn:
-Why behavior is communication, not something to “fix”
-The difference between proactive and reactive regulation tools
-How to use “silly surprise” and “body matching” to help kids calm down
-How unmet sensory needs and trauma can impact behavior
-Real-life examples (like bath time battles!) and how to problem-solve together

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, these tools are designed to help you build connection, safety, and joy—even during tough moments.

Chapters:
0:41 Introduction
1:27 The meaning of "behavior"
5:05 Neurodiversity and Trauma
10:19 Setting up our example scenario
11:53 How to reframe behavior and stay curious
15:04 Are there sensory needs?
19:37 Is there a trauma or stress response?
24:01 Reflecting in order to be proactive
25:52 Language processing "in-the-moment"
30:08 In-the-moment strategy #1: Surprise Silly
34:15 In-the-moment strategy #2: Body Matching
37:06 Recovery
39:33 Conclusion

About the Presenter:

Rachel Ashcraft is an occupational therapist specializing in joyful, family-centered regulation, co-occupation, and celebrating every child’s authentic self.
For more resources, visit https://patcs.com.