Sensory Tools for Big Feelings (Anger, Frustration and Emotional Overwhelm)
, by Marrianne Parkes, 9 min reading time
When kids feel angry or overwhelmed, sensory tools can help the body calm down first. Try practical supports for big feelings at home and school.
Sensory tools for emotional regulation
Big feelings can hit fast.
Anger, frustration, overwhelm, tears, yelling, slamming doors — it can be intense for kids and for parents.
And here’s the tricky part: when a child is emotionally flooded, their thinking brain is offline. That’s why “Use your words” and “Calm down” often make things worse.
Sensory tools won’t fix every moment, but they can help the body settle so your child can access coping skills again.
Why sensory tools help with emotional overwhelm
Emotions live in the body.
When a child is dysregulated, you might see:
· fast breathing
· clenched fists
· pacing or running
· shouting
· hiding
· throwing objects
Sensory input (movement, deep pressure, tactile input, oral input) can help the nervous system shift from fight/flight back toward calm.
A simple “calm first” approach
Think:
1. Safety (reduce risk, move breakables)
2. Regulation (body tools)
3. Connection (you’re on their team)
4. Problem-solving (later)
Sensory tools that can help in the moment
1) Deep pressure options
Deep pressure can feel grounding.
· heavy blanket (supervised)
· pillow squish
· “blanket burrito” if your child enjoys it
2) Movement tools
Some kids need to move the energy out.
· wall pushes
· animal walks
· jumping (trampoline or star jumps)
· carrying something slightly heavy (books to another room)
3) Tactile + squeeze tools
Hands often need input.
· soft squeeze fidgets
· textured tactile fidgets
· putty-style resistance (if you use it, choose a quiet, non-messy option)
4) Oral sensory supports
For kids who bite, chew, or grind teeth when upset, a safe chew can reduce the urge to bite clothing or skin.
5) Auditory supports
If noise is adding fuel:
· earmuffs
· headphones with calming music
A “big feelings kit” you can keep ready
You don’t need a huge setup. A small basket works.
Include:
· 1–2 quiet fidgets
· 1 squishy
· 1 oral sensory option (if relevant)
· earmuffs/headphones
· a visual timer
What to say (and what not to say)
Helpful phrases:
· “I’m here. You’re safe.”
· “Your body is having a big moment.”
· “Do you want squeeze or headphones?”
Try to avoid:
· “You’re overreacting.”
· “Stop it right now.”
· “If you don’t calm down…”
After the storm: teach skills when calm
Later (when regulated), you can gently explore:
· What did your body feel like?
· What helped?
· What could we try next time?
CTA: Build a calm kit with quiet sensory supports
If you’re creating a simple kit for big feelings, start with quiet fidgets that support regulation without adding chaos.
Browse our fidgets collection here: