Zones Board: Help Kids Understand What They Feel

Created with an occupational therapist, this visual board helps children identify their emotions and choose healthy ways to regulate them—using zones.

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Why I Created the Zones Board

When my son started masking emotions at school and melting down at home, we knew we needed a better way to help him recognize and express what he was feeling before he hit a breaking point.

With the help of an occupational therapist, we created a board based on the Zones — a visual, color-coded method that teaches emotional awareness and self-regulation in a way that actually makes sense to kids.

The Zones Board gave us the language, tools, and calm we were missing.

It helped my son recognize he was anxious before he melted down. That was huge for us.

  • From Emotional Chaos

  • to Calm & Connection

Feeling this? Imagine this instead:
❌ Your child can’t explain what they feel ✅ They point to a color to show how they feel
❌ Meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere ✅ You catch the signs early and support before they escalate
❌ Your child masks emotions all day ✅ They have a safe, visual way to check in
❌ You’re guessing what kind of help they need ✅ They choose a calming strategy that actually works

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

How It Works

1. Choose the Zones of Regulation Board

Our magnetic board is fridge-friendly and built for daily check-ins—at home, in therapy spaces, or at school.

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2. Learn the Four Zones

Each zone represents a group of feelings:

🟢 Green Zone – Calm, focused, ready to learn

🔵 Blue Zone – Sad, tired, bored

🟡 Yellow Zone – Frustrated, silly, worried

🔴 Red Zone – Angry, out of control, overwhelmed

The Zones help kids recognize that all feelings are okay—we just need different tools to manage them.

3. Identify & Regulate

Kids use clings to show:

-What zone they’re in

-How they feel

-What regulation strategies they want to try

They can move clings to a strategy column, point to them in a moment of overwhelm, or talk through their plan with a caregiver.

recommended clings:

Real Families Are Loving It

“The daily board has been a game changer for my 4-year-old. All the basic morning tasks like getting dressed, cleaning up toys, and brushing teeth were such a fight. After introducing the daily board, he is actually excited to do them and move them to the ‘done’ category. It has taken one less stress off of me.” — Cynthia

“Absolutely love this! It helps so much with remembering what to do!”— Dominic

“The clings and board are a great visual for my 6-year-old to see what he needs to do before school and helps keep him on track.”— Whitney

Why Our Zones Board?

  • Based on zones

    A trusted, research-backed framework

  • OT-developed layout

    Built with clinical insight and real-life parenting needs

  • Gives kids language

    Helps verbal and nonverbal children express emotion

  • Visual and tactile

    Designed for sensory-friendly use

  • Reusable and magnetic

    Built to last through daily use

  • Beautiful enough for your fridge

    A calm, inviting design that fits your home

faq

Is this board only for autistic or neurodivergent kids?

Not at all. While it’s incredibly helpful for neurodivergent children (like those with autism, ADHD, SPD, or anxiety), it’s designed for all kids to build emotional intelligence and communication.

What age is this board best for?

Most families start using it with kids ages 3+, but it can absolutely grow with your child. Younger kids will point or use visuals, while older kids can move clings and talk through strategies.

Does this replace therapy?

Nope. It’s not a replacement—but it’s a powerful tool to support therapy goals, home routines, and everyday emotion coaching. Many OTs, SLPs, and educators use it right alongside professional strategies.

Do the boards come with clings?

Do I need to buy clings separately?

Yes. The clings are sold separately so you can choose the sets that best match your child’s needs.

Ready to Help Your Child Regulate with Confidence?

This board is more than a tool—it’s a pathway to understanding, connection, and calm.

Start building your child’s emotional toolkit today.

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