How to teach emotion and behavior regulation through use of books..

Children’s books can be wonderful therapeutic and developmental tools to facilitate emotional growth, healing, behavior regulation, as well as discussion about important life topics. Best part? You can incorporate stories into your child’s regular day or night time routines and use books as a proactive catalyst for developmental change. Reading books with your child extends beyond the typical educational benefits, and actually supports emotion and behavior regulation in a relatable way that aligns with your child’s brain development. In a world filled with quick clicks, links, and videos, caregivers can utilize books to help children navigate, learn from, and cope with a variety of life circumstances.

Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach and intervention used by trained professionals to support child development and behavior/emotion regulation, as well as to help children cope with life events. As parents, you can also use books in a proactive manner.

Here are a few books to add to your bookshelf…

1. Hunter and the Amazing Remote Control by Lori Ann Copeland

   • Activity Idea:

     • Create a brain and body “remote” with your child while using construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, and other creative tools. Discuss with your child the buttons they may need throughout the day, such as a “slow down,” “pause,” or “rewind.” As a family activity, consider making one for different members of the family, even pets!

   • What it teaches:

     • The book and activity help your child learn about their emotions, behavior, and the “control center” of the brain in a fun, objective, and non-punitive way. By learning more about the difference between behavior/actions, emotions, and thoughts, children can practice ways to regulate their behavior and self-regulate. It can also facilitate discussion about times during the day your child may need help with managing problematic behavior or big feelings.

2. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

   • Activity Idea:

     • Plan to create “ish” drawings or activities together. When together, talk about your feelings related to the “ish” project. How does it feel to be “ishy”? What do you like about the “ish” art? By planning times to create “ish” art together with a trusted adult, it takes the pressure away from your child seeking "perfect” art or any self-criticism they may have about their abilities.

     • What it teaches:

       • The book and activity can help address perfectionism, as well as any negative thoughts your child may have about themselves or their skills. By growing more comfortable with emotions and expanding perspectives, it can also help your child develop a positive self-image and help them feel more competent and less self-critical.

3. Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

   • Activity Idea:

     • Trace replicas of your child’s hands and the hands of caregivers. After tracing and cutting out the hands, add names, pictures, or symbols that represent supportive people in your child’s life. After helping your child decorate their hand cutouts, add to a key ring and place it on a backpack or item that your child will have with them during big transitions. On the key ring you can also add routines or activities that help your child feel safe during separation (e.g., special hand shake).

   • What it teaches:

     • The book and activity address separation anxiety and difficulties with transitions or life change. By developing new routines and talking openly about the “worry,” it creates a sense of security and predictability for the child. The child brain thrives on routine and predictability to reduce worry. The activity can help create a sense of comfort and a plan to support your child during transitions or separation.

4. Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry MacLean

   • Activity Idea:

     • Make a “moody cow mind jar” with your child by adding water, clear glue, glitter, and other items to a mason jar. After the jar is finished, you and your child shake the jar and practice breathing (and pausing) while watching the glitter settle. This activity takes practice and can improve mindfulness when coping with big feelings. After practicing, consider putting the jar in a coping corner or safe space to aid in greater independence.

   • What it teaches:

     • The book and activity help support your child’s emotional resiliency, mindfulness, and self-regulation. It addresses difficulties with frustration tolerance and anger and can also help your child improve their emotion regulation when having big feelings. Using a tangible tool (glitter jar) improves your child’s ability to practice mindfulness based on their brain development.

5. Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis

   • Activity Idea:

     • Create a “feelings” thermometer or wheel with your child and help them identify and label emotions they may feel. Have your child select a color for each feeling word, as well as any images that can help them associate big feelings with words. The wheel and emotion language (or pictures) can be tailored to your child’s development. Once completed, keep the wheel in a high traffic area, such as on the fridge to refer to daily. You can use it as a conversation starter during meal times to normalize talking about a range of emotions and feelings throughout the day.

     • What it teaches:

       • The book and activity help to explain the way our feelings and mood can change daily. By normalizing that all feelings are “okay,” it helps build greater resiliency, as well as greater identification, communication, and coping with emotions in the future. The child brain needs practice with learning how to identify and label feelings, as big feelings typically come out in their behavior until they learn to identify them.

6. Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook

   • Activity Idea:

     • Use a hoola-hoop to help your child visualize their “'personal space” and that of others. After, have your child draw concentric circles on a piece of paper all embedded within one another. Ask them to label who they feel most comfortable with and talk about boundaries or different scenarios (e.g., With mom, it is okay to get in her personal space to give hugs, with a friend, you can ask). Incorporate other important individuals, peers, or adults and how they relate to these circles.

   • What it teaches:

     • The book and activity help make an abstract idea of personal space more concrete. It can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with understanding personal and social boundaries, as well as impulsivity in social settings. It can also teach body awareness and safety by identifying and discussing common scenarios where these themes may be important. It helps explain boundaries and personal space in a developmentally appropriate manner and supports your child’s social development and coping in school, home, and in the community to improve self-esteem.

Looking for more information about Behind the Behavior Psychology or wanting to schedule? Contact Dr. Bobal today!