How you can help

There are lots of ways you can try and support a child or young person struggling to manage their emotions and behaviours.

Some of these strategies include:

Following a routine

• Allow them to set clear boundaries and routines
• Discuss any changes in routine so they have time to prepare
  
  

Making time for wellbeing

• Allocate a calm or safe space
• Try relaxation techniques – for example, breathing techniques, imagery, meditation and mindfulness.
• Encourage wellbeing skills – including a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise and spending time in nature.
  
  

Exploring emotions

• Use scales by asking them to rate their mood from 1 to 10 as this can be helpful if they struggle to articulate emotions
• Try the zones of regulation approach - which can help with articulating emotions verbally
• Use words and pictures to explore emotions, to assist with the development of emotional literacy
• Use body mapping to link physical sensations with emotions to develop their understanding and recognition of them
  
  

Behaviour

• Praise and reward them for appropriate behaviour
• Give them opportunities for positive social interactions such as turn-taking and sharing
• Demonstrate behaviour that shows patience, respect, good humour and calmness
• Record difficult or significant behaviours in order to carry out an ABC analysis
• Carry out an individual risk assessment

Refer them to a specialist service

If there are any concerns regarding the child or young person's speech, language and communication skills you can refer them to the speech and language therapy service.