Emotional regulation is the ability to recognise, manage and recover from strong feelings. It develops gradually through early childhood, starting with co-regulation, when caregivers help a child calm down, and moving towards self-regulation in the preschool years.
Key takeaways
- Tantrums are normal while this skill is developing.
- Children learn regulation by being calmed by others many times.
- Language helps: naming feelings makes them easier to manage.
What you can do
- Name feelings for your child: "You're angry."
- Stay calm and close during big emotions.
- Teach simple calming steps, such as a hug, a deep breath or a quiet corner.
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if your child's outbursts are very frequent, very long, involve hurting themselves or others, or are getting worse after age 4.
