The Energy Bubble Model: A Bi-Directional Framework for Teaching Self-Regulation

A practical, intuitive framework for teaching self-regulation in childrenWe teach children a great deal about their bodies—but we rarely teach them how to understand their energy.When we do, we often call it self-regulation. Yet regulation rarely happens in isolation. Children regulate in classrooms, homes, and communities where energy is constantly shared, influenced, and shaped by the people and environments around them.The Energy Bubble Model offers a simple, accessible way for children to understand how their energy changes throughout the day—and how it interacts with the spaces and people around them. Rather than focusing only on behavior, this model helps children:Notice body sensationsRecognize emotionsUnderstand how their energy fits the momentThrough clear visuals and developmentally accessible language, children learn not only how to adjust their own energy, but also how to communicate and co-regulate with others.Grounded in neuroscience, sensory processing, and emotional development, this manual provides a shared framework for supporting both self-regulation and co-regulation in real-world environments.It is designed for:Occupational therapistsEducators and school teamsMental health professionalsParents and caregiversInside this manual, you’ll find:The Energy Bubble Model and its underlying scienceHow body sensations, emotions, and environment interactPractical strategies for everyday regulationStructured and experiential activities for childrenTools for building awareness, flexibility, and independencePrintable resources for classroom, therapy, and home useThis resource is designed for professionals and caregivers who want to teach regulation in a way that is intuitive, relational, and adaptable across real-life environments.The goal is not to achieve one perfect level of energy—but to understand and work with our ever-changing energy and to co-regulate together. Read more