Books that build self-regulation skills: 5 recommendations from YMCA educators
Big feelings can be beautiful, and sometimes a little overwhelming. One moment, your child is laughing at the kitchen table, and the next, they’re sobbing on the floor because the banana broke in half.
Learning to handle emotions is a big part of growing up. It’s called self-regulation, and it helps children find calm after excitement, courage after worry, and patience when things don’t go their way. Self-regulation takes time, practise, and a lot of support from caring adults — and good stories can help, too.
Books can help children to explore their feelings, notice what’s happening inside their bodies, and find healthy ways to cope.
To help families find wonderful stories that build emotional skills, YMCA educators from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) shared some of their favourite children's books. Each one offers simple, powerful ways to help children grow strong on the inside, one page at a time.
1. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
Shared by Siddika, a child care supervisor in York Region
This colourful story explores many emotions to help children name what they feel inside. Recognizing and labelling feelings is an important first step toward building self-regulation skills.
2. Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl
Shared by Janice, an EarlyON educator in York Region
When big feelings take over, calming strategies like deep breathing and hugging a stuffed toy can make a big difference. Little Monkey Calms Down offers simple ideas to help young children manage their emotions in everyday life.
3. Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
Shared by Janice, an EarlyON educator in York Region
Tuning into physical signals like a tight tummy or fidgety fingers helps children connect their bodies to their emotions. This thoughtful book encourages children to slow down and listen to what their body is telling them, strengthening their self-regulation skills over time.
4. My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
Shared by Petra, a before and after school supervisor in Peel Region
Noticing joyful moments can also be part of self-regulation. My Heart Fills With Happiness invites children to focus on small, happy things to build mindfulness and resilience.
5. It’s Okay To Be Different by Todd Parr
Shared by Siddika, a child care supervisor in York Region
Helping children feel confident in who they are supports their emotional well-being. It’s Okay To Be Different celebrates uniqueness and encourages children to feel proud of themselves — another important piece in building strong self-regulation skills.
6. The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
Shared by Siddika, Child Care Supervisor, York Region
Sometimes children feel happy, and sometimes they feel sad. The Feelings Book uses bright colours and simple language to help children know that all feelings are okay.
Inspiring growth in children and future educators
When educators thoughtfully choose books that build self-regulation skills, they give children powerful tools to understand themselves, manage their emotions, and connect with others.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, our educators are supported with mentorship, training, and opportunities to make a real difference in children’s lives, helping them grow strong, inside and out. If you’re passionate about supporting children's development in meaningful ways, you might find your place with us.
Learn more about joining our YMCA team today.
