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everyday tools for emotional needs for kids
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items These tools support kids in identifying, expressing, and managing big feelings during everyday moments. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this list includes calming tools, sensory supports, and emotion-focused games that help children ...
This printable Emotions Guess Who game is a fun and interactive way to teach emotional awareness. Children ask questions and flip down characters based on facial expressions, learning to recognize feelings like sad, mad, excited, nervous, and more. I...
Emotions Guess Who
The Stretch Blob is a soft, stretchy sensory tool that helps release tension through gentle squeezing, pulling, or twisting. It’s perfect for kids who need a tactile outlet to calm their body or focus during transitions or challenging tasks. Easy to ...
Stretch Blob
A visual feelings chart helps children label their emotions and communicate how they feel. It supports emotional awareness and builds language around internal experiences. You can use it during daily check-ins or when your child looks upset.
Feelings Chart - Etsy Canada
These cards include simple strategies like “take three breaths” or “hug a stuffed animal.” They give children quick and concrete tools to choose from when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Keep them on a ring or in a small box for easy access.
Calm Down Cards
Visual timers show the passage of time in a clear, visual way. This tool is especially helpful for transitions, waiting, or finishing a task. It supports children in understanding how long they need to engage or wait.
Visual Timer - Walmart
A weighted blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which can support calming the nervous system. It helps children feel grounded and secure during times of stress or dysregulation. Great for naps, bedtime, or calm-down corners.
Weighted Blankets: Our Best Heavy Blankets & Removable Covers | Hush
Fidgets can help children channel extra energy or stress into movement. These tools support focus and attention while offering a physical outlet. Choose based on texture preferences and sensory needs.
Fidget Toys(1000+)
This visual tool offers a soothing, slow movement of coloured bubbles. Watching the bubbles fall can help shift attention and calm anxious or overstimulated minds. A great choice for sensory breaks.
Liquid Motion Bubbler For Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top ...
A familiar plush can become a trusted calming item. Having a “calm buddy” can be comforting during transitions or overwhelming situations.
Stuffed Animals & Plush - Canada's #1 Toy Shop - Squishmallows
Some stuffed animals can come with added weight or aromatherapy for extra regulation support. Having a weighted stuffed animal can provide a comforting support during transitions or overwhelming situations for kiddos.
Weighted Stuffed Animals
Headphones help reduce auditory input during noisy or overstimulating times. They support children who are sensitive to sound or need help focusing in busy environments. These are especially helpful in classrooms, airports, or large events.
Noise Cancelling Headphones | Walmart Canada
These cards include easy yoga poses paired with visuals and names that are kid-friendly. Movement and stretching can support emotional regulation by calming the body and increasing awareness. Try them as a brain break or part of a routine.
Kids Yoga Cards
Soothing sounds like ocean waves or soft lullabies can support relaxation. These machines help create a calming sensory environment for sleep or quiet time. Many offer adjustable volume and timer settings.
White noise machines | Walmart Canada
A small mirror is a simple yet powerful tool for helping children recognize and label their emotions. Kids can practice making faces with a parent or caregiver and match their expressions to different feelings like happy, sad, or surprised. It encour...
Handheld Face Mirrors | Walmart Canada
This expandable ball helps guide deep breathing in a visual and engaging way. As the ball expands, children breathe in, and as it closes, they breathe out. It’s a great teaching tool for learning to slow down the breath.
Expandable Ball Kids
Children can draw or write how they’re feeling when they can’t find the words. A small dry-erase board encourages expression without pressure. Use it as part of a calming corner or in therapy sessions.
Walmart Supercentre
This children’s book introduces emotions in a gentle and supportive way. The story helps children understand what big feelings are and how to name and express them. It can be used during storytime or therapy to support emotional awareness and languag...
Sometimes I Have Big Feelings: A Child's Guide
This wooden emotion wheel is a helpful tool for teaching kids how to name and express their feelings. Children can spin the arrow to point to faces showing emotions like happy, sad, angry, or calm. It’s a simple, hands-on way to support emotional che...
Kids Wooden Emotion Wheel Wooden Feelings Wheel Emotion Regulation Spinner Kids Social Emotional Learning Toy Children Emotional Regulation Tool