This resource includes over 100 pages of dedicated advice, activity ideas, prompts and strategies for supporting children to identify their emotions.
Including:
14 pages of guidance on how to support a child with emotional regulation.
14 Emotions to explore, categorised to compliment the 'zones of regulation' - Sad, Bored, Calm, Happy, Love, Pride, Worried, Excited, Frustrated, Embarrassed, Courage, Angry, Scared and Shame.
Each emotion comes with clues of how it might feel within the body
Each emotion comes with situations which may trigger this emotion
Each emotion comes with worksheets and activities to try to support with regulation
Emotional regulation can be particularly challenging for some children, especially those who have who are neurodivergent and/or have experienced developmental trauma. One key reason is difficulties with interoception—the body's ability to sense internal signals like a racing heart, tense muscles, or a churning stomach. Interoception helps us recognise emotions as they arise, allowing us to respond appropriately. However, some children struggle to notice or interpret these internal cues, making it harder for them to connect physical sensations with emotions such as worry, anger, or excitement. Without this awareness, emotions can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, leading to difficulties in self-regulation. Supporting children in identifying and understanding how emotions manifest in their bodies is crucial for helping them develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and navigate social interactions more successfully.
Created by an NHS Sensory Occupational Therapist
For children who struggle to identify how they feel internally
The ‘My Emotions Cards’ Resource Pack was created by Sadie Charlton, Sensory Occupational Therapist & founder of SensoryPie.com, who has worked for many years with neurodivergent children and those who have experienced developmental trauma. Often, emotional regulation is taught at a skill-based level, with children being given strategies to manage their emotions. However, many children struggle with the first and most fundamental step—identifying how they feel internally and connecting with the emotions within their bodies. Traditional emotional regulation interventions tend to skip this vital process, assuming that children can already recognise their internal states. Yet, without interoceptive awareness, children may find it difficult to accurately identify which ‘zone’ they are in and, as a result, struggle to choose helpful regulation strategies. This resource was created to bridge that gap, supporting children in developing the essential skill of tuning into their bodies, recognising their emotions, and building the foundation for effective self-regulation.