Emotional regulation is the ability to manage one’s feelings and behaviors in different situations—and it’s one of the most important life skills a child can learn. Children who can express themselves calmly, handle frustration, and recover from disappointment are more likely to succeed socially, academically, and emotionally. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help children build these skills through therapy, structured support, and personalized intervention programs.
What Is Emotional Regulation?
Emotional regulation involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in a healthy way. For example, a child with strong emotional regulation might:
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Pause and take a deep breath instead of yelling when upset
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Ask for help when overwhelmed
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Move on from small disappointments
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Use words to express feelings instead of acting out
For many children—especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory challenges—these skills don’t come naturally and require structured teaching.
Signs a Child Might Be Struggling
Some signs of difficulty with emotional regulation include:
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Frequent meltdowns or tantrums
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Trouble calming down after being upset
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Impulsivity and difficulty waiting their turn
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Difficulty expressing emotions with words
At OrbRom Center, our special needs intervention and occupational therapy programs help children in Phnom Penh develop emotional awareness and self-regulation through practical tools, guided play, and evidence-based techniques.
How Therapy Helps Children Manage Emotions
Our team at OrbRom uses calming strategies like:
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Visual emotion charts to help children label their feelings
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Sensory tools (e.g., stress balls, weighted items) to support physical regulation
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Social stories and role-play to practice appropriate responses to triggers
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Breathing exercises and mindfulness to build self-control
We also teach children to identify their “triggers” and create routines that support predictability and success—key components for emotional regulation.
Supporting Emotional Growth at Home
Parents are vital to emotional learning. You can help by:
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Naming emotions during daily interactions (“I see you’re frustrated…”)
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Modeling how to handle big feelings
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Creating calm-down routines at home
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Praising emotional control and progress
If your child continues to struggle, a professional assessment can help determine if deeper support is needed.
A Foundation for Future Success
When children learn how to manage their emotions, they feel more confident and connected to others. They’re better prepared for school, friendships, and life’s ups and downs. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we are dedicated to helping children grow into emotionally strong, resilient learners.
If your child needs support with emotional regulation, contact us today to explore how we can help.