Self Regulation Skills for Preschoolers to Help Them Manage Their Emotions

Learn about self regulation skills for preschoolers to help them manage their emotions and feelings.

Children can demonstrate a wide variety of emotions during the day. They can cry and whine when they are sad and frustrated, scream or hit when they are mad, or laugh with pure joy when they are happy and excited.

They will need to learn how to regulate all of those emotions through the skill of self-regulation. Self-regulation can be a challenging skill to teach and model for kids. Learn how to help your child's emotional development by teaching them self-regulation skills.

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What is Self Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and reactions. It involves being aware of thoughts and feelings and managing them in a responsible and constructive way. Self-regulation requires practice and can be developed through various strategies, such as goal setting, problem solving, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness. Developing self-regulation skills can help children better manage their emotions, achieve goals, and build stronger relationships.

Why is Self Regulation Important to Teach?

Self-regulation is an important skill to teach children because it helps them to develop the ability to monitor and control their own emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. This skill can help children to become independent, resilient, and successful in school and in life. Teaching self-regulation can help children to develop the ability to recognize their emotions, recognize how their behavior affects others, and to use problem solving and self-control to manage situations. Self-regulation is important for children to learn, as it can help them to become successful in many aspects of their lives.

List of Self Regulation Skills for Preschoolers to Learn

Here is a list of self-regulation skills that can help preschoolers learn to manage their emotions, behaviors, and reactions:

Learning to identify and express feelings.
Developing problem-solving skills.
Practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
Utilizing distraction techniques.
Utilizing positive self-talk.
Developing positive coping strategies.
Learning to recognize triggers and warning signs.
Developing impulse control.
Developing flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
Developing self-awareness and empathy.

Teaching Self Regulation Skills to Preschoolers

Self-regulation is an important skill for preschoolers to learn. It involves the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy way. Here are some tips for parents and teachers to help preschoolers learn self-regulation skills:

Model healthy behavior. Show preschoolers how to practice self-regulation by modeling it yourself. This can involve being mindful of your own emotions and behavior and making sure to take time for yourself when needed.
Teach mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that can help with self-regulation. Teach preschoolers to recognize and name their emotions, and to practice breathing and other relaxation techniques.
Encourage physical activity. Physical activity can help preschoolers to manage their emotions and behaviors better. Encourage physical activities like running and playing outside, as well as yoga and other calming activities.
Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is useful for teaching self-regulation skills. Praise and reward preschoolers when they demonstrate self-regulation.
Make time for self-care. Help preschoolers to practice self-care by setting aside time for them to do calming activities such as reading, drawing, or playing with toys.

By teaching preschoolers self-regulation skills, they will be better prepared to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy way.

Self Regulation Developmental Milestones for Preschoolers

Self-regulation is an important skill for preschoolers to develop. It involves the ability to manage their emotions and behaviors, and to respond appropriately to different situations. Here are some milestones that preschoolers typically reach in the area of self-regulation:

Preschoolers are able to follow simple instructions and can sit still and wait for their turn.
They are beginning to understand and express their emotions and can recognize when they are feeling frustrated, angry, or sad.
They can identify how their behavior affects others and can show empathy and compassion.
Preschoolers can express their needs and wants in appropriate ways, such as asking politely and using words instead of acting out.
They are able to take turns and can take part in cooperative play with other children.
Preschoolers can control their impulses and can think before they act. They understand the consequences of their actions and can adjust their behavior accordingly.
They are able to manage their time and complete tasks efficiently.
Preschoolers are developing the ability to problem-solve and can use self-talk to help regulate their emotions.

List of Self Regulation Strategies for Kids

Model calm behavior. Kids learn how to regulate their emotions by observing the adults around them.
Encourage deep breathing. Have your child take slow, deep breaths when they are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
Use positive self-talk. Encourage your child to practice positive self-talk such as “I can do this” or “I can handle it.”
Allow your child to express their feelings. Allowing a child to express their feelings can be helpful in helping them learn to regulate themselves.
Establish a routine. Establishing a regular routine can help a child feel more in control and have a greater sense of security.
Utilize music. Music has been known to have calming effects and can help your child relax and regulate their emotions.
Use visual cues. Visual cues such as charts, pictures, or symbols can help children self-regulate.
Teach problem-solving skills. Teaching your child problem-solving skills can help them think through and work through difficult situations and emotions.
Offer rewards and consequences. Positive reinforcement can be a great way to encourage your child to practice self-regulation.
Seek professional help. If your child’s self-regulation skills are struggling, seek professional help.

How to Help a Child Regulate Their Emotions

Helping a child regulate their emotions can be a difficult but rewarding process.

One way to start is by teaching them about their emotions and how to recognize and understand them. You can do this by helping them label their emotions, talking about the different triggers for emotions, and creating strategies for calming down.

Additionally, it's important to model healthy emotional regulation yourself and provide a safe, supportive environment for them to express and process their feelings.

Finally, it's important to be patient and understanding, and to provide plenty of comfort and reassurance. With time and practice, your child will be able to better regulate their emotions.

Self Regulation Books for Kids

If you are looking for additional self regulation teaching resources you can check out our list of Engaging Self Regulation Books for Kids that have Helpful Teaching Strategies.

These books can help children recognize their own emotions and how to control them. They can also teach them how to deal with difficult situations, and how to manage their time. In addition, self-regulation books can provide children with activities, tips, and strategies to help them become more independent and self-sufficient.

By reading these books, children can learn to become more mindful of their own feelings and how to manage them in a positive and constructive way.

Self Regulation Difficulties

When children have difficulties with self regulation difficulties, they might also have difficulties with:

Anxiety and stress in a variety of situations leading to difficulty reaching their academic potential.
Appropraite behavior, contributing to extreme fatigue as they may have an inability to settle themselves to sleep.
Challenges working in small groups/with others for play or group learning tasks.
Making and keeping friends.
Families of a child experiencing self regulation difficulties are also likely to be negatively impacted through stress and the inability to participate in day-to-day activities due to their child’s difficulty coping with change.

If your child has difficulties with self regulation, please talk with your pediatrician and they may recommended to see an Occupational Therapist.