A Parent's Quick Guide to the Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation framework was created by an Occupational Therapist to
build emotional regulation and behavioral skills. It uses colors to represent how the brain
and body are feeling, helping children identify their emotions and manage their needs
through coping strategies.
The Four Zones:
• Blue: Low state of alertness – Your child may feel sad, sick, tired, or bored.
• Green: Calm state of alertness – Your child may feel happy, calm, focused, or
relaxed.
• Yellow: Heightened state of alertness – Your child may feel frustrated, worried, silly,
or excited.
• Red: Heightened state of alertness -Your child may feel angry, terrified, elated, or out
of control.
It is important to know ALL zones are OKAY!
Implementing the Zones of Regulation in your home can be easy and fun! Here are
some strategies you can use to help build your child’s emotional regulation and behavioral
skills at home.
• Start by introducing the zones and what they mean! Then, you can quiz your child or
play matching games to identify which emotions go which zone. This creates a safe
space to discuss emotions and feelings.
• Model it yourself! Tell your child how you are feeling and what zone you are in. Model
a coping strategy to help yourself when you are in that zone.
• Books or movies! During movies or bedtime stories, discuss how the characters are
feeling.
• Create a Zones of Regulation coping strategy toolbox. This can be a craft on paper or
created to print out for your child. Simply list each zone and include photos or
descriptions of coping strategies they prefer.
• Utilize online resources! There are lots of fun ideas on Pinterest, social media, or
through a google search. Find one that your child would enjoy the most!
References
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