Emotional Regulation for Kids

Wild Sprouts by Root to Bloom

Have you ever noticed how kids seems to mirror the energy of those around them?

Those moments when you take a deep breath, and they settle too?

 It’s not magic.

—it’s the powerful connection between our nervous systems. When we feel grounded and regulated, it creates a safe, nurturing space for them to feel the same.

But let’s be real—finding ways to help our kids navigate big feelings isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like we’re all just trying to figure it out together.

That’s where Wild Sprouts comes in.

Growing up, I felt lost when it came to managing my emotions. Like so many of us, I just didn’t have the tools. Then, as a teacher, I watched little ones struggle with overwhelming feelings and found myself wishing I knew then what I know now about how to support them.

Everything changed when I discovered nervous system regulation and somatic practices. Incorporating somatic movement into my life transformed the way I relate to my own big emotions. Now, as a mama, I’m passionate about sharing these practices with children, families, and educators, giving them the tools to navigate their emotions in ways I wish I had growing up.

A look inside Wild Sprouts…

Each set includes 8 animal cards, each with a fun image and simple instructions for movement. Flip the card over, and you’ll find more details on when to use the practice, helpful tips, and the benefits it brings.

From a "Puppy Shake" to release built-up tension, to a "Tiger Roar" to channel big energy, these animal-inspired movements are perfect for turning tough moments into opportunities for connection and growth.

Plus, there’s a QR code that links to a YouTube video, so you can see these playful movements in action!

Weave It Into Your Day

  • Owl Flight for Emotional Regulation for Kids

    Use “Owl Flight” to wind down for bedtime or quiet time

  • Tiger Roar for Emotional Regulation for Kids

    Try a “Tiger Roar” to release built-up energy during a transition

  • Reset after big emotions with “Puppy Shake”

Even just 10-30 seconds of these simple movements can help kids (and grown-ups!) feel more balanced, centered, and connected throughout the day.

Why Families and Educators Love Wild Sprouts

These cards help your kids:

  • Move through big feelings with more ease

  • Build a toolkit of strategies for when life feels overwhelming

  • Develop a connection to their body and increase self-awareness

  • Regulate their nervous system through playful movement

  • Build resilience and emotional growth

Wild Sprouts is more than just a set of cards—it’s a toolkit for navigating everyday life and big feelings. It’s about creating small, meaningful moments of connection, movement, and growth for your child—and for you too!

Ready to get started?

 FAQs on Emotional Regulation for Kids

  • Wild Sprouts is perfect for kids of all ages! The simple, animal-inspired movements are easy enough for toddlers to jump right in, while older kids can begin to explore the connection between their emotions and their body.

    I started introducing some of these movements when my son was just 16 months old, and it’s been incredible to see how quickly little ones can pick up on these playful movements.

    And the best part? Grown-ups can join the fun too — making them ideal for families, caregivers, and educators alike.

  • Somatics is all about tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you. Think about how animals naturally shake off stress or stretch to reset—our bodies have that same wisdom! With Wild Sprouts, kids learn to notice big feelings in their bodies and respond with simple, playful movements. These practices help them feel more grounded and give them tools to navigate overwhelming emotions. It’s like giving them their very own secret superpower to feel grounded, balanced, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

  • Big feelings are a natural part of growing up, but learning to manage them is a skill that lasts a lifetime. When kids can understand and navigate their emotions, they’re better equipped to handle stress, adapt to challenges, and build strong relationships. Wild Sprouts makes emotional regulation fun and engaging, turning tough moments into opportunities for growth. These playful practices help kids build resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to themselves.

  • For Families:
    It’s all about keeping it light and playful! Start by picking a card and trying out the movement together. You can use the cards proactively—like winding down before bedtime—or in the moment, when big emotions show up.

    When bringing these practices into daily life, encourage your child to explore each movement for even just 10–30 seconds. Finding small moments throughout the day and discovering movements that feel good to them can make it easier to tap into these tools when they need them most.

    Think of it like building a habit—over time, these small, simple movements can become a comforting and natural way for your child to feel more grounded and in control.

    For Educators:
    Wild Sprouts can easily fit into a classroom or group setting, offering playful ways to help children manage energy and emotions. Here are some ideas:

    • Circle Time Activity: Introduce a card during circle time or as part of your morning routine. Talk about the animal on the card—what sounds it makes, where it lives, and how it moves. Then, invite the children to mimic the movement together.

    • Card of the Week: Choose one card to focus on each week. Use it as a theme to explore the animal’s traits and movements. For example, with the "Tiger Roar" card, you might read a story about tigers, watch a short video about their behavior, and then practice the movement as a group.

    • Transitions: Use a card during transitions to help kids reset and refocus. For example, after outdoor play or before starting a quiet activity, try “Puppy Shake” to release energy and prepare for the next task.

    • Emotional Awareness: When big emotions arise, use the cards as tools to help children self-regulate. Model the movements, invite them to join in, and encourage them to notice how their bodies feel afterward.

    • Movement Breaks: Incorporate these playful practices into movement breaks throughout the day. Just a few seconds of intentional movement can make a big difference in helping kids feel balanced and ready to learn.

    These ideas not only support emotional regulation but also bring an added layer of fun and connection to any group or classroom environment. Over time, kids will look forward to these moments of movement and self-discovery!

  • Absolutely! Even a brief moment of movement can help children release tension, reset, and feel more connected to themselves. Wild Sprouts is designed to fit into real-life moments—whether you have a few seconds or a few minutes.

  • All you need is a bit of space to move, your Wild Sprouts cards, and a phone or device to scan the QR code (optional). Each card has simple, easy-to-follow instructions, and the QR code links to a video so you can see exactly how it’s done. No extra tools, no stress—just fun, meaningful moments of movement and connection.

Here’s what a mama of two (ages 3 and 5) shared about Wild Sprouts:

“I absolutely love the Wild Sprouts cards. My girls have really enjoyed using them, and their favorite animal and movement is the Puppy Shake. It’s so fun to see it become something they naturally lean on and something we can use as a tactic for self-regulation. These cards have been such a helpful tool in our household. They’re a great way to work through some of those big feelings and emotions and reconnect. I would absolutely recommend them to any parent to try out.