08/20/2025
🌱 Green, Yellow, and Red Zones: Understanding Your Child’s Regulation 🌱
By Anna Kinnaird, BCBA
When a child is calm, their brain is ready to learn and connect. When they are dysregulated, their brain shifts into survival mode. Knowing the zones helps us respond in ways that support regulation and growth.
🟢 Green Zone: Calm and Ready to Learn
Looks like: relaxed body, steady breathing, focused, engaged
Best supports: predictable routines, positive praise, engaging activities
Sensory tools: fidgets, chewable jewelry, movement breaks
💡 Catch them doing the right thing and praise it right away.
🟡 Yellow Zone: Heightened Alertness
Looks like: fidgeting, louder voice, fast movements, worry or frustration
Best supports: small steps, movement or sensory breaks, clear simple language, choices
Sensory tools: wall pushups, animal walks, big stretches, Theraband on a chair, deep pressure squeezes, chewy snacks if appropriate
💡 Pause and pivot. Shift to something easier or take a break to help them succeed.
🔴 Red Zone: Fight, Flight, or Freeze
Looks like: crying, yelling, aggression, running away, shutting down
Best supports: remove demands, stay calm, validate feelings, offer comforting items, allow time to recover
Sensory tools: weighted blanket, rocking chair, noise-cancelling headphones, dim lights, quiet space
💡 You cannot teach new skills in the Red Zone. Focus on co-regulation and helping your child return to calm before trying again.
⚡ Remember:
Green Zone is the time to practice coping skills
Yellow Zone is not the time for big demands
Red Zone is the time for safety and connection
💬 Which zone do you notice most often with your child?