Self-regulation skills help kids notice big feelings, pause, and return to calm. In this blog, we share what self-regulation really looks like in daily life, why modeling it matters, and how small, steady steps build emotional skills over time. Download our free Steady Steps Cards for playful, parent-child activities that make practicing regulation simple, fun, and effective—at home, in the classroom, or in therapy.

"Each small noticing becomes a micro-step toward understanding big feelings and making gentle, thoughtful choices later on. Whether it’s watching a caterpillar crawl or feeling a warm breeze, these tiny noticings help kids build curiosity, connection, and emotional strength — one moment at a time."

Some thoughts just stick... but that doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck. Help kids handle sticky thoughts with playful defusion!

Kids get “sticky thoughts” just like adults—worries, fears, or doubts that cling like gum to a shoe. Defusion helps them step back from these thoughts instead of getting tangled in them. With quick, playful strategies, children can learn to notice their thoughts and gently let them go.

Mindfulness can be simple and playful. Kids learn it through tiny moments of noticing — a color, a sound, a breath. When we pause with them, we help their bodies and minds reset. In Acceptance Acres, Micah the Macaw shows children how to slow down and stay curious. These gentle practices build emotional awareness and calm. Explore our free mindfulness tools, including Micah’s 5 Senses Game and our Fill Your Cup pack.

Discover how ACT helps kids manage big emotions, stay present, and focus on what matters—through fun stories and creative activities!