Every child experiences a whirlwind of emotions, from the excitement of joy to the frustration of anger, and sometimes, those big feelings can be hard to navigate. As caregivers, finding ways to help children understand and manage their emotions is key to their emotional growth. One creative and effective tool that can help children regulate their feelings is the Emotion Stress Ball. This simple, hands-on craft not only offers a fun sensory experience but also helps children connect physical sensations with their emotions, making it easier to recognize and cope with feelings like anger, frustration, and anxiety. We spoke with Tom Timmerman, LSW, a Parent Navigator at Sanford Children’s CHILD Services, to explore how this Emotion Stress Balls craft can play a vital role in supporting emotional regulation in kids.
Helping Children Recognize Their Feelings
“Using books, toys, or even mirrors to look at faces as we talk about feelings is a great way to introduce children to recognizing their feelings and the feelings of others,” explains Tom. “Before children can understand the words we are saying, they are reading our non-verbal body language to pick up on our feelings and intentions,” he adds. Emotion Stress Balls provide a unique way for children to make connections between the non-verbal cues, like facial expressions, and the emotions they are experiencing. This visual and tactile experience makes it easier for kids to understand what anger or frustration might feel like inside their bodies – helping them build emotional literacy in a hands-on, engaging way.
The Power of Sensory Play
When children are feeling overwhelmed, sensory activities like squeezing a stress ball can offer a much-needed distraction. Tom explains, “The Emotion Stress Balls provide distraction and sensory stimulation similar to using play dough, sand, shaving cream, or other materials that can be helpful to pull children’s focus away from difficult feelings.” This sensory experience is vital for kids because it helps them calm down and regain control. By squeezing the stress ball, children can shift their attention away from their emotions and back into their bodies, which aids in regulating their feelings. He continues, “Emotion Stress Balls also give us the chance to have a variety of faces indicating various emotions so children can learn to compare and contrast. This will grant a wider understanding of the many emotions they may experience.”
Guiding Children to Use Stress Balls in Emotional Moments
As caregivers, we can play a big role in helping children use their Emotion Stress Balls to calm down when emotions get intense. Tom suggests an interactive approach: “Caregivers could suggest, ‘Can we look at the stress balls? Show me which of the faces you feel like right now.’ Whether they are feeling happy or sad, we can talk about what it feels like to squeeze the stress balls.” You can choose one that describes their mood and say “I feel like this one. How about you?” When caregivers gently guide children through these moments, it encourages emotional awareness. For example, asking children to reflect on the softness of the stress ball or whether it helps them feel calmer can help them become more attuned to the connection between their physical sensations and their emotions.
Encouraging Consistent Emotional Regulation Routines
Emotion Stress Balls work best as part of a consistent emotional regulation routine. Tom emphasizes the importance of introducing these calming tools during moments of lower emotional intensity. “Work with your children during parts of their day when you see more of their mood swings or triggers. Start introducing some of these items or interventions at times when your children are experiencing less intense emotions.” This preventative approach helps children become familiar with tools like stress balls before they need them in high-stress moments. “Offer them in a gentle supportive way rather than trying to be forceful, especially if your child is very escalated,” suggests Tom.
Incorporating the Emotion Stress Balls into a child's emotional toolkit is an exciting and effective way to help them manage big emotions. By recognizing physical sensations related to emotions, using sensory play to provide calm, and guiding children in emotional regulation, caregivers can help children develop important skills that will serve them throughout life.
Ready to get crafty? Watch how to make this awesome project here!