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These checklists are meant to be gentle guides. Some children may do these things earlier, later, differently, or with support, and that’s okay.

Reminder that development is not one-size-fits-all.

For some children, happiness might look like:
swinging
favorite songs on repeat
water play
deep pressure hugs
lining up toys
animal videos
jumping, spinning, or movement
time with a trusted person

Helping children notice when they feel happiness and joy is an important life skill!

Repetitive movement can help a child’s nervous system settle down. Some children also enjoy vibration or music paired with movement. Others prefer quiet movement without extra sensory input.

There’s no single “right” way to regulate so work on what feels good with your child.
Learn more about movement as a regulation tool on our blog https://starthereparents.org/2026/05/28/when-calm-doesnt-look-still/ here!