If you’ve been here for a while, you know that Just My MomSense has always been about me wanting to share things I’ve learned as a way to hopefully help other parents. Over the years, through the research, the conversations, and the the trial and error of parenting kids who experience the world a little differently, I’ve learned some things that genuinely changed how I show up for my kids.
The Thing That Changed Everything For Us: Co-Regulation
Your child cannot regulate their emotions alone and that’s not because something is wrong with them, it’s because their brain literally isn’t built that way yet.
Co-regulation is the idea that kids regulate their nervous systems through connection with a calm adult. When you stay calm during a meltdown, when you lower your voice instead of raising it, when you sit nearby without demanding anything, you are literally lending your regulated nervous system to your child. For me, understanding this changed how I responded. Instead of trying to stop the meltdown, I started focusing on being the calm in it.
Please note that I know this is easier said than done when you’re in the middle of a spiral at 7am before school.
The Sooner They Can Name It, The Less It Controls Them
Another thing I’ve learned is that feelings that have a name are easier to manage than feelings that don’t.
When a child can say “I feel overwhelmed” instead of just melting down, something shifts in their brain. The thinking part comes back online. They feel understood instead of out of control. Over time, that emotional vocabulary becomes one of the most powerful tools they have.
This is why feelings check-ins matter so much, not as a worksheet exercise, but as a daily practice. When kids get used to checking in with how they feel, they start to recognize their own patterns. They notice when they’re getting close to the edge before they go over it. That awareness is so important. Kids who develop emotional literacy earlier tend to have better relationships, stronger self-advocacy skills, and fewer behavioral challenges as they get older. It’s not about being perfect, it’s just about building the language.
Things I Made
I started an Etsy shop awhile back without showing it much love. I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to put out there but I know I wanted it to be useful.
I wanted to take what I’ve learned about sensory processing, emotional regulation, meltdown support, routines and turn it into something practical. Something you could print out and actually use. Something that meets kids where they are and helps the adults who love them feel a little less lost.
Some of the items there include:
Calm Down Corner Kit: everything you need to set up a calm down corner that actually works, including a feelings check-in, breathing techniques, a calm down menu, and affirmation cards.
Meltdown vs. Tantrum Explainer Pack: because understanding the difference changes everything about how you respond. Includes a caregiver guide, trigger tracker, and recovery plan.
Sensory Overload Trigger Tracker: a sensory profile, trigger log, sensory diet planner, environment checklist, and calm plan all in one pack.
Visual Daily Schedule: routine charts, a school day planner, transition warning cards, a feelings check-in strip, and a reward chart. Great for kids who thrive on predictability.
Kids Sensory Journal: a way to help kids build mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional awareness.
Emotion Identification Cards, Brain Break Cards, and more!
Everything is an instant digital download. No branding on any of the pages. Print as many times as you need.
You can browse the full shop right here: Just My MomSense on Etsy
I Made A Freebie Too!
If you’re not sure where to start or just want to try something before you buy, I have a free printable for you.
The 5-Minute Feelings Check-In is a simple, kid-friendly tool you can use every single day to help your child build that emotional vocabulary we talked about. It takes five minutes. It’s free. And it’s a great first step toward helping your child understand what’s happening inside them before it comes out sideways.
Grab it here: Get the Free 5-Minute Feelings Check-In ← add your freebie link here
I want parents to know that what you’re doing matters. The fact that you’re reading this, looking for tools, trying to understand your child’s experience, that’s huge!
Some helpful links:
Just My MomSense 