The Self-Regulation Workbook for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Play-Based and Creative Activities to Build Coping Skills and Handle Big Emotions (Review)

I wanted to share a workbook for children from 3 to 5 years old called The Self-Regulation Workbook for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Play-Based and Creative Activities to Build Coping Skills and Handle Big Emotions. I received the workbook in exchange for a review. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the items you purchase.

I sat down this morning to browse through The Self-Regulation Workbook for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Play-Based and Creative Activities to Build Coping Skills and Handle Big Emotions and even though the workbook is created for children from 3 to 5 I found tips I could use with my nieces and nephews who are from 3 all the way up to 10. At times I even found myself saying if only I had new that when Suzzie or Charlie were smaller.

I liked how the Authors included a introduction and notes for caregivers and families. As well as Teachers and even Day-Care providers which I’ve been in the past. What about you? Then there was a note to Therapists as well.

I really enjoyed learning about developmental milestones all parents need to know. The Authors even broke down different ages of play for our children. I wish I had knew about creating a box of our children’s things for them to bring with them when away from home which would have made Charlie more secure about spending the night at other places.

Throughout the workbook the Author includes activities for us to do with our children. The Authors even include food which was hard for my family because Charlie only ate certain items. I liked how the Authors included questions for us to answer in the back of the book.

The Authors included a list of books for children to read and another list for adults to read. I can’t wait to check out. If you don’t like to read there is a list of websites to check into. As well as a list of references we can check out.

About the Workbook:

Discover play-based activities and coping strategies to help children ages 3 to 5 with social and emotional functioning, attachment patterns, and how to handle anxiety and other strong emotions. Through the workbook The Self-Regulation Workbook for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Play-Based and Creative Activities to Build Coping Skills and Handle Big Emotions [Ulysses Press; October 2024].

The book is written by psychologists Dr. Abbré McClain and Dr. Jacqueline Salazar who offers caregivers, parents, and educators play-based activities designed to help young children manage big emotions like anxiety, anger, and sadness.

This hands-on resource provides a roadmap for helping young children develop critical self-regulation skills while fostering a healthy self-image and strengthening caregiver-child bonds. The workbook is perfect for those interested in creative, playful methods to support children’s emotional well-being during their rapid developmental phase.

Meet the Authors:

Abbré McClain, Psy.D, LCPC is a psychologist and assistant professor at a leading institution centered around social justice and socially responsible practice, as well as the co-owner of Chicago Wellness Center for Families, PLLC. Holding strong values rooted in activism, community, and the beauty of diversity, Dr. McClain has spent over 10 years servicing youth and their families, with expertise in trauma-informed care, multicultural psychology, family wellness, and the assessment and treatment of very young children.

She holds an Infant Parent Psychotherapy Endowment and certifications in Diagnostic Assessment for Young Children (DC:0-5) and Circle of Security-Parenting Facilitation (COSP) and is eligible for board certification for Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).

Dr. McClain’s understanding of wellness is positioned from a strength-based and family-centered approach. She is heavily involved in her local neighborhood community and enjoys learning about different cultures in Chicago. When not involved in outreach and care, Dr. McClain enjoys spending time with family and friends and engaging in the arts and culture in her City. She is an avid sports fan.

Jacqueline Salazar, Psy.D, LCPC is a psychologist with over 10 years of experience serving the needs of youth in Chicagoland communities. She is passionate about fostering positive connections between families and communities they are a part of. She holds numerous certifications that specialize in trauma, addiction, and parenting approaches, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way.

Additionally, Dr. Salazar serves as part of the leadership team at a leading nonprofit institution that partners with Chicago Public Schools to help provide students with a community of support, as well as co-owns a therapy practice that specializes in therapy and consultation services for children and families.

Currently, Dr. Salazar resides with her husband and son in the Southside of Chicago, where she was born and raised. She enjoys thrift shopping, horror movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates