Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) refers to how children and young people understand their feelings, manage emotions, and connect with others. When this is difficult, big feelings can be overwhelming, changes difficult to handle, and everyday situations like school, friendships, or transitions may take more effort than others realise.
SEMH matters because it affects many parts of daily life, from learning and confidence to relationships and wellbeing. It can also manifest physically as headaches, fatigue, stomachaches, or poor sleep when a child struggles to regulate their emotions. When children feel understood and supported, they are much more able to engage, communicate, and thrive.
Often, simple, practical resources help children make sense of their feelings and manage the day a little more easily.
These tactile stones are engraved with different facial expressions to help children explore and identify feelings. Great for hands-on learners and calm-down corners, they open the door to everyday conversations about emotions.
Available at Yellow Door
This colourful, confidence-boosting book by the team at Art of Brilliance is packed with humour, practical wisdom, and positive psychology. Aimed at teens, it encourages them to think about who they are, what makes them brilliant, and how to build resilience in a natural, uplifting way. It is a creative, feel-good read that speaks directly to young people without being too serious or formal.
Check it out at Art of Brilliance
This weighted blanket is designed to provide even pressure, creating a reassuring, cocooning feel at bedtime or during quiet moments. It is available in a choice of weights, with a breathable fabric and silent beads designed to distribute weight evenly. It could be a helpful option for young people who find added pressure comforting.
Available from Snooze Therapy
A beautifully illustrated book that helps children understand that it’s okay to share their worries. It’s gentle, relatable and ideal for bedtime or one-to-one emotional check-ins.
Buy it at Amazon
This sturdy flipbook lets children match facial expressions with emotion words. It’s an ideal tool for fostering emotional literacy and sparking useful chats at home, especially after a tricky day.
Available at Junior Learning
This guided journal encourages children to explore their feelings, practise gratitude, and build mindful routines. Colourful and positive, it’s a lovely daily habit that boosts self-esteem and encourages reflection.
Available at Mindful Champs
This simple liquid motion timer provides a gentle visual countdown as colourful oil droplets fall from top to bottom. It’s soothing to watch and can be used for quiet time, deep breathing, or managing short tasks. Unlike a standard timer, it doesn’t beep or count down in a stressful way.
Available at Amazon UK
BLOOM’s in-person workshops teach mindfulness and emotional regulation through movement, storytelling and breathwork. Perfect for children who benefit from hands-on, creative experiences to manage big feelings.
Learn more at BLOOM Child
Sometimes the most helpful support isn’t a product but a space. A simple “reset corner” or box gives children and young people a place to step away when things feel overwhelming, without needing to explain or talk immediately.
This might include:
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.