Self Regulation

Self regulation is the ability to monitor and control our own behavior, emotions, or thoughts.

Some of our children may struggle with self regulation. It is important to support them during an emotional reaction by teaching them proactive strategies.

Supporting our children who have difficulty with self regulation:

• Celebrate child's strengths (no matter how small)

• Listen (make them feel heard by repeating what they say)

• Teach, practice, and model self regulation

• Validate concerns and emotions (Saying “I understand you are -name emotion-“)

• Have clear expectations (limit surprises)

• Ignore "minor" behaviors (try to work on one thing at a time)

• Phrase using positive language (“Use good hands" vs. "No hitting")

• Reinforce positive behavior, FREQUENTLY

• Provide a calm down area and encourage use for coping strategies such as: taking deep breaths, physical exercises, counting forward or backward, tighten and relax muscles, listening to music, drawing, snack or drink of water, etc.

• Provide calm down area for coping strategies, not punishment

• Provide breaks (before a meltdown)

• Offer planned choices as much as possible (Do you want to write with pen, pencil, marker or colored pencil?)

• Be sure to teach at that child's level

• Offer alternative tasks, work/fun (to keep motivation up)

Here are some additional resources:

http://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html

https://www.emotionalabcs.com/

https://www.socialthinking.com/

https://pbskids.org/learn/lifes-little-lessons/mad-feelings/