❄️ 12 Days of Regulation: Day 5 ❄️
Welcome to Day 5 of our 12 Days of Regulation series!
Hello again! Welcome to Day 5 of our regulation series. Today we’re introducing a tangible, hands-on tool that helps children (and teens!) externalize and release worry: the Worry Shredder.
✂️ Why the Worry Shredder Works
When worries pile up — the “shakes” to the emotional soda can (remember Day 2!) keep building. Writing down a worry, feeding it into a shredder, and watching it disappear gives kids a sense of closure, control, and release. It’s not just symbolic — the ritual of doing something concrete helps the brain shift from “I’m stuck in worry” to “I acted on that worry.”
🧠 Executive Function Connection
Here’s how using a worry shredder ties into the core executive functions:
Impulse control — instead of reacting impulsively to a worry, the act of “writing it and shredding it” gives space and choice.
Self-monitoring — kids learn to notice “I’m worrying about ___” and decide to use a tool.
Flexible thinking — they move from being stuck in the worry to using a strategy: “I can handle this by letting it out for now.”
Goal-directed behavior — using tools and strategies becomes part of how they manage big feelings, not just endure them.
🎁 Today’s Free Tool: Link to the Worry Shredder
Use the Worry Shredder (or any paper shredding alternative) with your child/client today. It can be part of a calm-down corner, a transition ritual after school, or a nightly check-in.
👉 Purchase the Worry Shredder Here
🌟 Want Personalized Coaching Support?
Our 6-Week 1:1 Emotional Regulation Coaching Program helps students build the habit of using tools like the Worry Shredder effectively — plus:
Building a personalised toolkit
Understanding triggers and patterns
Practising regulation strategies until they become automatic
Strengthening their executive functions for everyday success
💡 Bonus: Everyone who purchases a 6-week Regulation Coaching package between Dec 3–15 will be entered to win our “Regulation Basket” — filled with our favorite sensory and calming tools straight from Amazon!
✨ Let’s make this December the month of calm, clarity, and connection.
Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 6 of Regulation!
With warmth, Giovanna & the Connected Pathways Coaching Team 🧠💛
