Advocacy and Emotional Regulation: Ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met

Research and Information by Dr. Diana Honorat, OTD, with Jo Partin, Pacific OTDS student, Kristy Bailey, OTAS, Pierce Bertschy, COTA,

Blog written by Lyndsay Morris

Advocating for your kid

Advocacy is a powerful tool for ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met. It involves collaborating with family members, teachers, and peers to create an environment that fosters success. Here are some strategies:

Be Collaborative, Specific, and Respectful

When discussing your child’s needs, adopt a collaborative tone. Ask questions like, “How can we work together?” This approach fosters a positive dialogue and encourages teamwork.

Document Everything in Writing

Keep a detailed record of your child's progress and any important conversations. Follow up important conversations in a written summary for understanding

 Prepare for Meetings

Review current plans and progress reports in advance

Bring Support (if allowed)

If you are sending your child to school with a sensory bin, special toy, chewelry, etc., be upfront in discussing it with their other caregivers. Collaborate on a plan for how your child can access these resources when needed. 

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is crucial for our children to express their needs, manage emotions effectively, and cope with overwhelming moments. Here’s how we can assist them in developing this crucial skill:

• Understanding different sensory processing patterns can guide your interventions.

• Your child might be sensory-seeking, low-registering, avoiding, or sensitive.

• Tailor your approach based on their specific sensory preferences.

Tools for sensory support. Equip your child with tools that can help them regulate their emotions. 

Examples include:

• Sensory boxes

• Zones of regulation

• Calm jars

 Communication 

Establish a comfortable and relaxed way for your child to communicate their feelings. Whether through speaking, writing, or visual aids, ensure they feel at ease expressing themselves. Be clear and methodical when discussing steps and expectations, and model active listening by validating their emotions.

Calming Strategy Steps 

1st.  active & alert activities 

• Suggest activities such as swings, wall push-ups, or animal walks to help release pent-up energy.

2nd. Incorporate organizational skills

• Engage your child in counting and sorting activities, which promote focus and executive functioning.

3rd. Calming time!

• Introduce practices like box breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to notice their surroundings and engage with different sensory stimuli.

By implementing these advocacy techniques and emotional regulation strategies, we empower our children to navigate their worlds more effectively. As parents, our role is not just to support but also to equip our kids with the skills they need for lifelong success. Let’s champion our children's needs while providing them with the tools to manage their emotions healthily and effectively!