Towards self-regulation

A bit about Self-Regulation and Young Children

When our “internal engines” run high or are a bit sluggish we have a hard time concentrating. We might get angry, lose interest or become frustrated at the task at hand. As adults we learn how to self-regulate. We might chew gum, go for a run or walk or listen to music.

Children may appear to be very spontaneous, perhaps have outbursts, and seem easily overstimulated. Alternatively, they may present as being passive, perhaps too passive, and appear aloof or disinterested. If either of these presentations affects the child’s ability to engage socially and in play on a regular basis perhaps, they need some regulation strategies to help keep them nicely alert and ready to play and learn. Children need to learn their own strategies and we can help them by labelling the ones they have and trying out others to see which ones work best for them.

Supporting Documents