PediatricDigest

The latest from Radio Health Journal:

Medical Notes: How Losing Weight Can Improve Brain Function, The Medicinal Properties Of Coral Reefs, And A New Type Of Liver Cell

Published: May 30, 2026 04:02 am

Your weight is affecting how well your brain works. A newly discovered type of cell could be a powerful defense against liver disease. How coral reefs could become the next biggest pharmaceutical product. Many beauty products marketed as ‘clean’ have a dangerous secret missing from their labels.

Comments | Read in browser »

Astrology Pt.2: Is Your Health And Success Written In The Stars?

Published: May 30, 2026 04:01 am

Though astrology was removed from academia in the 17th century, the ancient practice has experienced a massive modern resurgence. Data shows that public belief in its scientific merit has remained steady since the 1980s. This segment explores the enduring cultural power of astrology, the varying definitions of what makes something "Scientific," and why millions of people still rely on the stars.

Comments | Read in browser »

Common But Not Normal: Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published: May 30, 2026 04:00 am

Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for healthy aging, but conditions like pelvic organ prolapse can abruptly isolate individuals and disrupt daily life. This condition occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles can no longer support surrounding organs, leading to symptoms like bladder leakage, bowel difficulties, and physical discomfort. Our experts debunk common misconceptions, offer treatment options, and emphasize the importance of pelvic health awareness.

Comments | Read in browser »

Click on the image below to listen to the In Good Health podcast on any platform:

Looking for more to listen to? Grab-and-go content with trending AURN-produced podcasts:

Find exclusive content and support our show by following us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, Spotify, and more using the links below.

Copyright © 2026 American Urban Radio Networks, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at radiohealthjorunal.org to receive our newsletter.

Our mailing address is:

American Urban Radio Networks

938 Penn Ave Ste 701

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3710

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Our occupational team discusses the zones of regulation, what it means, and a helpful guide for families with tips on how to support them at home.

View this email in your browser

Understanding the Zones of Regulation: A Guide for Families

Understanding the Zones of Regulation: A Guide for Families

At Cutting Edge Pediatric & Adult Therapy, a common area Occupational Therapy can support is emotional regulation. A helpful framework we often use is the Zones of Regulation, a simple and visual way to help children understand their feelings, triggers, energy levels, and provide them with a toolbox for self-regulation skills.

What Are the Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a research-based curriculum that focuses on recognizing and sorting a large and complex list of feelings and states of alertness into four, simple colored zones:

***It’s important to remember: there are no “good” or “bad” zones. All zones are expected and part of being human. The goal is not to eliminate certain feelings, but to help children recognize them and respond in safe and effective ways. Everyone feels all emotions at some point, and all emotions are okay. It is what we do with those emotions that are important.

How to Support Zones of Regulation at Home

Consistency between therapy and home makes a huge difference. Here are some simple ways families can incorporate the Zones into everyday routines:

Use the Zones language in everyday life. Talk through how you are feeling and what you can do to change it. Ask your kids throughout the day what Zone they are in. This helps your child connect words to their internal experiences.
1. You can model talking about your own Zone. For example:
  1. “I am feeling a little frustrated and I’m in the yellow zone. I need to take a break.”
  2. “You look like you’re in the blue zone. Would you like to take a walk with me and move your body?”

Identify the Zone before jumping straight into problem-solving mode. Observe your child’s behavior and try to use strategies in the moment. If they are showing signs of being in the yellow zone, try and catch it before they move to the red zone. To help build awareness, you can use language such as:
1. “What zone are you in right now?”
2. “What is your body telling you?”
  1. If your child is in the red zone, minimize language (less is best). The green zone is the optimal zone to deliver instruction or feedback to your child.

Build a toolbox of strategies for regulation in each zone. These are tailored to fit the specific needs of your child. We work a lot on building these strategies in OT, but they can be used anywhere. Work together to create a list of strategies for each zone. No child or adult will have the exact same toolbox. If physical items are needed as a tool, make sure they are accessible and visible. Practice the toolbox when they are in the green zone. Don’t use moments of dysregulation to teach or trial new strategies. Some examples of strategies include:
1. Blue Zone: jumping, stretching, listening to upbeat music, taking a walk
2. Yellow Zone: deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, taking a break, count to 10
3. Red Zone: safe space, calming sensory input, quiet time, deep pressure, heavy work

Most importantly, if you need to help your child regulate or return to the green zone, make sure you are in the green zone yourself. Children rely on co-regulation before they can independently regulate. This means they “borrow our calm when they don’t yet have their own”. If a child is in the Red Zone and the adult is also in the Red Zone, the situation often escalates quickly. But when an adult remains calm, predictable, and grounded, it creates a sense of safety that helps the child’s nervous system settle.
1. What This Looks Like in Real Life:
  1. Taking a breath before responding.
  2. Lowering your voice instead of raising it.
  3. Pausing instead of reacting immediately.
  4. Saying, “I need a second to calm my body so I can help you.”

Managing emotions and staying regulated can be tricky. If you have any questions, or notice your child might need more support with emotional regulation, please reach out to your child’s occupational therapist. You can visit www.zonesofregulation.com for more information regarding the curriculum and for downloadable resources such as visuals and guides.