Self-Regulation Skills for Young Children

How to Help Kids Manage Their Emotions and Behaviors 

Raising a child with learning problems or emotional challenges can feel mind-boggling, especially when tensions run high. A powerful behavioral tool to practice with your child in these meltdown moments is self-regulation: The ability to self-manage emotions, behaviors and body movements.

While some children seem to pick up these skills naturally, many more need extra coaching with appropriate responses and discussions. Adolescents and teens with ADHD, autism and learning disabilities most likely can use extra therapeutic support.

The good news? Self-regulation coping skills are learnable – and parents play a critical role.

5 self-soothing strategies for stressed out kids 

Forms of self-regulation can help children slow down, recognize their reactions and, hopefully, make better choices. These methods are especially helpful when a child is overstimulated, exhausted, anxious and frustrated.

Several simple-but-effective calming moves for your child can include: 

1. Deep breathing
   Teach them to take very slow “belly breaths” in through the nose and out through the mouth for several minutes. For young ones, you can make this more fun with bubble blowing or pretending to blow out birthday candles.
2. Repeating a phrase
   Counting to 10 or repeating a phrase like “I am calm” can give a child just enough time to pause before overreacting.
3. Sensory aids
   Things like noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets may help kids self-soothe and fall asleep when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
4. Energy breaks 
   Short bursts of physical activity (jumping jacks, dancing, sprints) can help children burn off nervous energy and help them refocus afterwards.
5. Soothing spaces 
   Create a cozy corner at home with soft pillows, books and quiet toys where the student can go to reset when emotions run high. 

Parents are important role models for self-regulation 

You are, of course, your child’s first and most important teacher when it comes to emotional development. Children learn self-regulation not only through direct teaching but also by observing how adults manage their own emotions. 

Here’s how you can help:

• Model contentness. Your child watches how you react to stress. When you show patience or use calming techniques like deep breathing, you’re teaching by example.
• Label emotions. Help your student label their feelings with phrases like, “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed, aren’t you? Let’s take a few deep breaths.”
• Use storytelling. The right apps, videos and books can inspire and maybe spark valuable conversations.

How to help kids control their emotions in public

Public meltdowns are one of the toughest challenges for any parent, and the tantrums can be epic. These strategies may help you navigate those challenging situations with more confidence:

• Plan ahead. Let your child know what to expect before going out. Talk through where you’re going, what you’ll do and how long you’ll be there.
• Bring distractions: Pack snacks, familiar self-soothing tools (fidget toys or headphones) and quiet activities to help keep the child mellow.
• Use a daily calendar. For some students, a visual timeline of activities can help reduce anxiety about transitions or waiting around.

Contact LifeWorks Schools in Pennsylvania

Admissions staff is available Monday-Friday from 8 am-4 pm. to schedule a local tour or intake. For questions about programming, call 215-489-3028 or complete the online contact form.