Self regulation, according to Wikipedia, is the ability to respond to the ongoing demands of experience with the range of emotions in a manner that is socially tolerable and sufficiently flexible to permit spontaneous reactions, as well as the ability to delay spontaneous reactions as needed.

A child who cannot self regulate may throw tantrums constantly and exhibit undesired behavior. This can impact the climate of the whole household, including siblings and everyone around them.

There are many interventions we use at The Therapy Gym© to help children regulate their emotions. The Zones of Regulation is one research-based program that we utilize to help each child understand his/her emotions and how they can be regulated. There are four zones that a child learns to categorize their feelings/emotions.

The Zones of Regulation explains the zones as follows:

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.

The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.

The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.

The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick or bored.

If your child is having difficulty regulating his/her emotions, this is a great program to teach to your child. The therapists at The Therapy Gym© are well versed in this program and have seen lots of success in helping children to self regulate.

Please call 201-357-0417 so we can help you navigate if your child would be successful with this program.

The Therapy Gym, owned by Dr. Elisheva Fuchs, is the leading pediatric therapy center in Bergen County. The Therapy Gym provides physical, occupational, speech, behavioral and aquatic therapy as well as many classes for kids. Only the best, highly skilled and trained therapists work at the gym to help each child reach his or her potential. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, call The Therapy Gym at 201-357-0417 or email [email protected]. You can also follow The Therapy Gym on Instagram and Facebook to learn more tips.