If your day at work includes nonstop redirecting, finessing, and walking on eggshells around your kids to avoid meltdowns...you are not alone.

But you may be missing out on teaching the most important foundation skill kids need to be successful - the skill we have to target before we can have any other expectation of our kids.

Self-regulation.

Without this skill, kids can’t practice motor skills, learn academics, or even participate in the most basic activities.

The good news? Self-regulation is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened through the right supports and play-based tools.

Find our favorites below!

Claire & Lauren

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Start With a Simple Reset Grab our Free Self-Regulation Reset Printable for quick, effective ways to help kids calm, refocus, and transition — or upgrade to the complete Self-Regulation Reset Pack if you want all of the tools in one place.

Need a Full Roadmap? Our Self-Regulation Handbook is our most comprehensive self-regulation resource — a go-to guide for therapists, teachers, and parents to understand regulation, spot red flags, and support kids across settings.

Make Practice Feel Like Play Our Free Self-Regulation Games Printable turns skill-building into play with a list of simple, low-prep games that can be used in the classroom, therapy room, or at home to boost self-regulation skills!

Need a clearer starting point? Our Free Self-Regulation Red Flags Checklist helps you quickly spot when challenges are rooted in regulation, so you know where to start.

Top Toys for Working on Self-Regulation Skills

Suspend A favorite for building fine motor control and regulating movement speed and force, especially for kids who struggle with being “too fast” or “too rough.” Find it here!

Simon Challenges memory, attention, sequencing, and motor control. We love this mini version - perfect for your therapy bag! Find it here!

Bop It Fast and engaging, Bop It strengthens attention, processing, and impulse control. Another mini version for on-the-go fun! Find it here!

Spot It One of our all-time favorite games for sharpening visual skills, sustained attention, and flexible thinking in a fun, low-pressure way. Find it here!

Perplexus Best for older kids, Perplexus is incredible for developing perseverance and motor control through challenge-based play. Find it here!

Perfection A fun throwback — and a great way to help kids practice staying calm, focused, and flexible under time pressure. Find it here!