Understanding What Our Body Is Telling Us: Helping Little Ones Learn to Self-Regulate
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach during a stressful moment? Or noticed your heart racing when emotions run high? That’s your body communicating through a system called interoception—the internal sense that helps us recognize how we’re feeling physically and emotionally.
As adults, we’ve learned how to respond to these signals to help ourselves feel better. But young children are just beginning to understand what their bodies are telling them. That’s where we come in. At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we help children recognize their internal cues and guide them in developing strategies for emotional regulation and self-care. This process is a foundational part of learning self-regulation, an essential skill for lifelong well-being and success.
So, how do we teach self-regulation to preschoolers?
Start with a “Body Scan”
Encourage your child to check in with how different parts of their body feel—head, heart, stomach, hands, feet—and then help them put words to those sensations.
For example:
- “My stomach hurts.” → “Would sitting together or talking about it help?”
- “My head feels mad.” → “Would drinking some water or doing some jumping help?”
- “My heart feels sad.” → “Would asking for a hug or singing a favorite song help?”
This language helps children make connections between their emotions, physical responses, and healthy ways to feel better.
For older children, drawing a picture of a body and labeling what helps each part feel better can be a fun and creative way to reinforce the concept.
Use the Power of Sensory Movement
Just like adults might go for a walk or listen to music to feel better, children also benefit from sensory-based activities. Some children need sensory-increasing activities—like swinging, jumping, clapping, singing, or running. Others feel best with sensory-decreasing activities—like stretching, hugging, deep breathing, or listening to quiet music.
After a sensory activity, encourage your child to try another body scan, and ask, “How does your body feel now?” Helping children notice the difference builds self-awareness and confidence.
Reflect and Grow through “Memory Stories”
Once the moment has passed, revisit it with your child. For example:
“Remember when your heart felt sad yesterday, and we went for a walk together? That was a good choice, wasn’t it?”
These “memory stories” help children remember that they have tools to care for themselves, and that trusted adults are here to help.
About the Author
Brenda Bernard has served as the Preschool Director at Sioux Falls Lutheran School since 2019. With 26 years of experience in the Sioux Falls School District as an elementary special education teacher, early childhood program administrator, and special education coordinator, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has also presented on topics including student and teacher resiliency, classroom management, autism, and dyslexia. Passionate about fostering academic, emotional, and spiritual growth in young learners, Brenda is dedicated to continuous learning and collaboration at SFLS.
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family-centered community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We provide students with the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual tools they need to thrive in today’s complex world. By maintaining high academic standards, employing exceptional teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview rooted in Scripture, we partner with families to nurture children’s God-given gifts and prepare them for a lifetime of faithful service.