Ways to Support Your Kid’s Self Regulation At Home

Self regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behaviors and responses to the world around us.

For children, developing self regulation takes time and practice. Some kids struggle more than others, especially when faced with frustration, excitement or sensory overload.

By providing the right support at home, you can help your child build essential skills to manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively.

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1. Create a Predictable Routine

Consistency helps children feel secure and in control. Establish a daily routine that includes regular mealtimes, playtime, and rest periods. Knowing what to expect reduces stress and makes transitions easier. Visual schedules or checklists can be helpful for younger children.

2. Teach and Model Emotional Awareness

Help your child recognize and name their emotions. Use emotion charts, books, or simple phrases like, “I see you’re feeling frustrated right now.” Model how you regulate your own emotions by saying, “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a deep breath before I respond.”

3. Provide Calming Strategies

Equip your child with tools to calm themselves when emotions run high. Some effective self-regulation strategies include:

• Deep breathing exercises (e.g., belly breathing, star breathing).
• Sensory breaks (e.g., swinging, stretching, or using a weighted blanket).
• Quiet spaces for calming down (e.g., a cozy corner with soft pillows and fidget toys).

4. Encourage Physical Activity

Movement helps regulate emotions by releasing built-up energy and reducing stress. Activities like jumping, running, dancing, or yoga can improve focus and self-control. Outdoor play also provides valuable sensory input that helps with regulation.

5. Teach Problem-Solving Skills

Instead of jumping in to fix every problem, guide your child through solutions. Ask, “What do you think we could do to make this better?” or “How can we solve this together?” Encouraging problem-solving fosters independence and emotional resilience.

6. Support Sensory Needs

Some children need more or less sensory input to feel balanced. Pay attention to how your child responds to textures, sounds, movement, and light. Adjust their environment by offering noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, or sensory-friendly materials as needed.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise your child when they demonstrate self-regulation. Say, “I noticed how you took a deep breath instead of yelling. That was a great choice!” Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages repeated use of coping strategies.

8. Practice Mindfulness Together

Mindfulness activities help children develop awareness of their thoughts and emotions. Simple practices like guided breathing, body scans, or gratitude reflections can increase emotional control and reduce impulsivity.

9. Be Patient and Supportive

Self-regulation takes time to develop. If your child struggles with emotional control, remain patient and provide guidance without judgment. A calm and supportive approach helps them feel safe as they learn to manage their emotions.

By incorporating these strategies into daily life, you can help your child strengthen their self-regulation skills, leading to better emotional resilience, improved focus, and healthier social interactions.

Recommended Reading

• Self-Regulation Interventions and Strategies
• The One Simple Trick to Instantly Self Calm a Child
• Give Your Child the Tools to Manage Their Own Meltdowns
• How to Stay Calm During a Toddler Meltdown