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What is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to a child's ability to control their emotions in any given situation. If someone has good emotional regulation this means that they are able to think about their emotions and effectively cope with them. Children need to learn this skill at a young age in order to be able to control their emotions as they get older. It is important to teach your child to have and share their emotions, but learn how to not be overwhelmed by them. Emotional regulation can be learned like any other task infants learn such as walking and talking. As infants age they will develop the verbal and emotional skills required to express themselves without crying or throwing a tantrum. Until they develop their emotional skills, children require help with their emotions. The environment and parents can play an important role in that development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Webster-Stratton C. Helping Children to Regulate Their Emotions. University of Washington.

 

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