When we talk about Self-Regulation in children, we are referring to the ability to maintain an appropriate level of arousal for any given situation.
Self-Regulation also refers to the ability to adapt to inputs in the environment. It involves having the ability to produce behavioral and sensory responses and the ability to control oneself.
Self-Regulation is extremely complex. Includes Cognition, Sensory systems, Behavior and more!
Many children may struggle with some areas of Self-Regulation.
Self-Regulation is a person's ability to adjust and control energy levels, emotions, behaviors, and attention. Appropriate self-regulation, its adjustment and control, is accomplished through socially acceptable means.
The development of Self-Regulation occurs as follows:
strong>By 12-18 months children become aware of social demands and develop the ability to change their behavior when a parent asks.
In most cases, self-control occurs at this early age. This step requires an adult to be nearby and guide the behavior.
By age 2, this ability develops to the point where children begin to develop self-control or other rules of behavior even when mom and dad are not around. develops the ability to comply frequently.
By age 3, most children can generalize self-regulation strategies and sensory regulation used from previous experiences allowing children to maintain an appropriate level.
Current Alertness is required to respond appropriately to sensory stimuli in environments.
Why is Self-Regulation important?
Self-Regulation skills are linked to how well children manage many tasks in early childhood.
With these skills, children cope with situations such as the loss of a pet, the death of a family member, or parental divorce. They can better manage difficult and stressful events that arise as part of life.
Just as a child learns to self-regulate, such as concentrating, sharing and taking turns. skills also improve.
How can you tell if your child is struggling with Self-Regulation?
Children who have difficulty with Self-Regulation have the following characteristics:
They have difficulty regulating their own behavioral and emotional reactions; increased tantrums, emotionally reactive, need for control, impulsive behavior, may become easily irritable or overly compliant.
There are tantrums that last longer than typical.
It is difficult to maintain discipline and control the child.
Typical behavioral strategies are ineffective.
Delays in communication and social skills and difficulties in engaging in two-way interactions appear.
There are difficulties in transitions between activities
Having problems during social interactions (e.g., talking too loudly, standing too close, touching others)
Difficulties holding or touching objects tightly.
Appears lethargic/disinterested; often appears to be living in a 'own world'
How to Help Children Improve Self-Regulation?
While self-regulation is a challenging skill for many children, research shows that games and has shown that fun activities can be effective in developing Self-Regulation ability for children with problems.
Games and Therapy Tools that Support Planning, Problem Solving, Memory, Attention, Motor Control and Sequencing help children self-regulate despite challenging situations and conditions. can help them improve their skills. Calming techniques, self-awareness exercises, and mindfulness activities can also be effective in improving self-regulation.
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