Feeling Blue

The term ‘feeling blue’ is widely used. Generally, adults use it to explain a general sense of sadness, tiredness or ongoing negativity.

Using the Zones of Regulation framework, we can actually help our children more specifically, and usefully, express, understand, and process their feelings within the ‘blue zone’.

While the Blue Zone is similar to when a person feels down, sad, or low in energy, it’s more accurately understood as a zone where a child might experience feelings of sadness, disappointment, or even boredom.

Here's how you might recognize when your child is in the Blue Zone:

1. Emotional Signs: Children in the Blue Zone might seem quiet, withdrawn, or even teary-eyed. They could express feelings of sadness, longing, or unhappiness. They might not show much enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy.

2. Physical Signs: In the Blue Zone, a child's body might show signs of low energy. They might move slowly, slump their shoulders, or have a lack of physical activity. Their facial expressions might look more serious or subdued.

3. Cognitive Signs: A child in the Blue Zone might have trouble concentrating, appear disinterested, or seem preoccupied with their thoughts. They might focus on things that make them sad or things that didn't go well.

4. Social Signs: Children in the Blue Zone might prefer to be alone or have fewer interactions with others. They might not engage in social activities as actively as they would in other zones.

As a parent, it's important to understand that being in the Blue Zone is a natural part of the emotional spectrum. Just like feeling happy or excited, feeling sad or down is something that everyone experiences at times. It's crucial to create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions, including those in the Blue Zone.

Here are a few ways you can support your child when they're in the Blue Zone:

1. Validate Feelings: Let your child know that it's okay to feel sad or down sometimes. Validate their emotions and reassure them that you're there for them.

2. Offer Comfort: Provide comfort through words, hugs, or spending quality time together. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can help lift a child's spirits.

3. Engage in Soothing Activities: Encourage activities that might help your child feel better, like reading a book, listening to calming music, or engaging in creative outlets like drawing or writing.

4. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about what's bothering them. Sometimes, sharing their thoughts and feelings can provide relief.

5. Monitor Self-Care: Help your child engage in basic self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. These factors can impact their emotional well-being.

Remember, the goal of the Zones of Regulation is not to avoid the Blue Zone entirely, but rather to help children recognize their emotions, understand why they might be feeling a certain way, and develop healthy strategies for managing and moving through different emotional states.