The Story Behind Fern Family Co.'s Regulating Board

As parents, we know how difficult it can be to guide children through their big emotions—especially when they’re still learning to identify and express what they’re feeling. The Regulating Board was born from our family’s experience with my son, Beckham, and our journey to help him better understand and manage his emotions, both at home and at school.

Beckham’s Journey with Emotions

Last year, Beckham began using the Regulating Board after he started having emotional challenges at school. As a young child, Beckham often struggled to recognize his emotions. When he finally began to feel and express sadness, it seemed to surface all at once. He would cry at school over what seemed like small things—when he didn’t get called on by the teacher or when he made a minor mistake.

While we were grateful he was beginning to express his feelings, we also wanted to help him navigate these emotions in a way that didn’t make him feel more isolated. To get the right support, we began working with an occupational therapist (OT) who introduced us to the zones of regulation—a framework that teaches children how to identify and manage their emotions.

The breakthrough for Beckham came when we realized he needed a visual tool to help him understand and regulate his feelings more easily. Instead of printing and cutting out the paper-based tools we were given, I decided to design a more user-friendly version using reusable stickers. This would make it easier for him to connect with his emotions every day. And as I saw how much this tool helped Beckham, I knew I wanted to create a version that could help other families too.

How the Regulating Board Works

The Regulating Board is a simple, reusable tool designed to help kids recognize and manage their emotions through clear, visual aids. Developed with the guidance of an OT, the board aligns with effective self-regulation strategies and is made with ease of use in mind. With its color-coded zones and stickers, it’s durable, accessible, and easy for kids to refer to whenever they need it.

The board uses the zones of regulation system, which categorizes emotions into four color-coded zones:

Blue Zone: Sadness, tiredness, boredom.

Green Zone: Calm, focused, happy.

Yellow Zone: Frustration, anxiety, excitement.

Red Zone: Anger, panic, being overwhelmed.

This visual framework helps children quickly identify how they’re feeling. Once they understand their zone, they can select from a list of simple strategies to help regulate their emotions, like taking deep breaths or using positive self-talk.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters

As adults, we often struggle to recognize, express, and manage our own emotions—so it’s important to equip our children with these tools early. Emotional regulation is a skill that takes time and practice, but it helps children feel more in control and builds their confidence, independence, and resilience. By teaching kids how to recognize and manage their emotions, we give them the foundation to navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-awareness.

Our Family’s Transformation

The Regulating Board has been a game-changer for Beckham. At school and at home, he now has a reliable way to check in with his feelings, choose a strategy, and respond in a way that feels right for him. Some days, he uses the board independently. Other times, his teacher offers a gentle reminder to check in and take a moment to regulate.

What we love most is that Beckham is learning to express himself confidently—and with each step, he gains the tools to handle future challenges. This experience inspired me to create the Regulating Board, hoping it would provide other families with the same support and empowerment.

The Regulating Board is designed to grow with your child, whether at home or in school. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that helps children understand, express, and regulate their emotions in a way that is approachable and meaningful.