Self-Regulation in Children

26 Dec Self-Regulation in Children

Self-regulation involves children’s developing ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts and behaviour to enable them to act in positive ways toward a goal.

The rapid brain development which takes place in early childhood paves the way for the growth of self-regulation, which develops both through the maturing of the brain’s neural systems and through opportunities to practice.

In its earliest stages, co-regulation involves a carer helping a baby who is overwhelmed by feelings – perhaps from being hungry, uncomfortable, or unhappy for any reason – to return to a state of calm.  Through voice, sensitive handling, and tuning in to respond promptly to a baby’s signals, the adult helps the baby experience returning to balance after being in a state of emotional arousal.  Each experience of co-regulation helps to build the neural pathways that regulate emotion.

Childhood. Education. Problem. Sad little girl is hugging her teddy bear, her father in the background

Cognition interacts with emotions, as the baby learns to recognize and interpret situations which then results in a different emotional response.  For instance, a fretful baby who needs attention and can wait when hearing the mother’s voice, rather than wailing in deep distress, has learned from the adult’s prompt responses to their cues that help will be provided and it is possible to wait. Gradually an adult’s soothing a baby toward sleep at bedtime can be transferred to the baby who learns to self-soothe when waking in the night.

Many children struggle with behaviours and self-regulation challenges at one time or another during development.

Challenging child behaviour is common, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. However, for some children, self-regulation struggles can become so intense and pervasive that a child has frequent difficulty with:

-Interacting with others

-Participating successfully at school

-Going out in public

-Tolerating everyday routines and situations

-Attending family and other social events

-Getting an adequate amount of sleep.

-Has frequent tantrums/meltdowns

-Struggles with transition between activities.

-Has difficulty in waiting and sharing.

Has difficulty maintaining body space.

-Often moves too quickly.

-Has difficulty regulating the force and speed of movements.

-Frequently falls or runs into objects or others.

Loud talk, stands too close, or touches others

-Does not notice or identify emotions in self or others

-Struggles with teamwork, rules, winning or losing.

Struggles with time management, and planning

In these cases, it is beneficial to seek support and guidance from a child developmental Paediatrician, mental health provider, or another type of specialist who has experience with self-regulation and child behaviour.