How Sensory Play Enhances Emotional Regulation in Children

Why Emotional Regulation Matters in Childhood

Meeting emotional development milestones early helps children identify, express, and manage their feelings effectively. Understanding the link between emotions and behaviour is key to guiding positive choices. Developing self‑regulation now supports long‑term benefits like resilience, better relationships and mental well-being.

Emotional development milestones

Children typically begin recognizing emotions like joy, sadness, anger and surprise between ages 2–4. As they grow, they start using words instead of tantrums to express how they feel.

The link between emotions and behavior

Emotional dysregulation often leads to outbursts, withdrawal, or acting out. When kids learn to manage feelings, they also improve behaviour and social outcomes.

Long-term benefits of emotional self‑regulation

Well‑regulated children tend to perform better in school, form healthy friendships, and adapt more easily to change. These lifelong skills support self‑confidence, stress resilience and emotional stability.

Emotional Benefits of Sensory Play

How sensory activities calm the nervous system

Engaging the senses through touch, movement, or sound helps soothe overstimulation naturally. Activities like sand play or water exposure activate calming brain pathways.

Building self‑regulation and coping skills

By choosing how to play sensory materials, children exercise control and decision‑making. This fosters a sense of mastery and emotional independence.

Stress relief for kids through sensory play

Squishing play dough or running fingers through sand can ease tension. Repetitive sensory movements offer immediate relief from built‑up stress.

Supporting mindfulness and focus

Sensory play encourages children to be present—feeling textures, noticing sounds or colours. This strengthens attention and grounding in the moment.

Helping children with anxiety and behavioral challenges

For anxious or sensitive children, sensory activity play offers a safe outlet to express overwhelm. Over time, these activities teach calming strategies they can use independently.

Best Sensory Activities for Emotional Support

At Only Play, we believe sensory activities are powerful tools for emotional development and self-regulation. Our carefully curated sensory play ideas are designed to engage children’s senses while supporting emotional well-being in fun, approachable ways.

Tactile activities (sand, dough, water)

Sand trays, kinetic sand and modelling dough let kids explore without pressure. Water play pouring, splashing, floating toys encourages gentle sensory feedback.

Calming auditory and visual sensory tools

Soft music, chimes or nature sounds soothe auditory senses. Visual elements like lightboxes or lava lamps provide focused, calming visuals.

Movement-based sensory play for emotional release

Activities like jumping on cushions, carrying weighted toys or doing yoga help

regulate energy. Movement aids emotional release and nervous system balance.

Easy DIY sensory activities for home or school

Try a rice or pasta sensory bin, bubble mixture, or scented play dough made with household items. These simple tools support emotional well‑being with minimal prep.

Using Sensory Tools for Emotional Well-Being

Popular sensory tools for emotional support

Examples include weighted blankets, chew rings, calm-down jars, fidget toys and textured mats. These items offer reliable, portable regulation strategies for emotional ups and downs.

How to choose age-appropriate tools

Younger children benefit from larger, safe textures like foam or rice bins. Older kids may prefer fine‑motor toys, journals with sensory textures, or calming playlists.

Integrating sensory tools into daily routines

Incorporate sensory play before transitions like school pick-up or bedtime. Use calming tools after active play or when children seem overstimulated.

Role of therapists in sensory-based interventions

Occupational therapists can assess sensory profiles and tailor tools to a child’s needs. They guide educators and parents on how to structure sensory play for emotional gains.

Conclusion: Empower Emotional Growth Through Sensory Play

Sensory play offers a nurturing, practical way to help children develop emotional regulation from a young age.

By providing calming, tactile, movement and visual tools, caregivers and educators support stress relief, focus and coping skill development.

When embedded into everyday routines at home or school sensory activities become ongoing emotional tools that build resilience, mindfulness and self‑control.

For more guidance or to explore our sensory programs and tools, contact us today, we’re here to help you empower emotional growth through play.

FAQs About Sensory Play & Emotional Development

Can sensory play help with emotions?

Yes, sensory play offers a safe, hands-on way to help children understand and manage feelings. It becomes a practical bridge between emotion and self-control.

How often should sensory play be practiced for emotional growth?

Consistent daily or every-other-day sessions of 10–20 minutes are often most effective. Short, regular practice builds emotional awareness over time.

What types of sensory activities help anxious children?

Calming tactile experiences like slow pouring, dough stretching, or soft textures tend to work best. Activities paired with soothing auditory or visual tools can gently reduce anxiety levels.

How can sensory play be used in classrooms?

Classroom sensory corners with bins, calming bottles or soft lighting support group regulation. Teachers can integrate quick sensory breaks before transitions or after high-energy activities.

What signs show that sensory play is working for emotional regulation?

Look for calmer transitions, fewer tantrums, improved focus, and more positive engagement in play. Kids who articulate their feelings more often post-sensory play are showing growth.