Toddler Self-Regulation:

Overview: When we discuss self-regulation in toddlers we're highlighting their ability to manage feelings, behaviors, and impulses on their own. This isn't just about stopping tantrums or teaching toy-sharing, but a broader spectrum of emotional and behavioral management. If you've seen a toddler waiting patiently or finding solace in self-soothing gestures, then you've seen them demonstrating foundational self-regulation.

Why it's important: Understanding self-regulation is pivotal for caregivers because it's the stepping stone to a child's emotional intelligence and social adaptability. It empowers kids to handle frustrations, cultivate resilience, and form meaningful relationships. Your role becomes crucial because your supportive guidance helps set the foundation in these formative years.

Self-Regulation Tips & Guidance for Caregivers:

Arming yourself with knowledge and understanding of self-regulation ensures that you, as a caregiver, can provide the most nurturing and effective support to the children in your care.

The seesaw effect: building children’s resilience by emotional regulation | Jacqui Barfoot | TEDxUQ

3-minute video that showcases how Montessori methods can be a lifesaver during toddler tantrums | Montessori at Home

Internal Resources:

External Resources:

Overview: When parents work from home, it's quite common for toddlers to experience more frequent meltdowns. After all, they naturally want to be with their parents, and when that's not possible due to work commitments, it can lead to emotional outbursts. This situation places caregivers in the role of managing these intense emotions since children at this age are still in the process of developing their self-regulation skills.

Why it's important: It's vital for caregivers to have the know-how in dealing with toddlers' intense emotions, especially when parents are working from home – a common scenario these days. Toddlers often form strong bonds with their parents, and having them around can trigger frequent emotional ups and downs. Caregivers who can skillfully navigate this situation, maintain open communication with parents, and handle these emotional moments create a stable and nurturing environment for the child. This not only promotes the child's emotional well-being but also helps parents stay productive while making the caregiver's role less demanding.

Tips & Guidance:

5 Tips For When The Parents Are WFH

Internal Resources: Check out our article dedicated to working with parents who work from home

Teaching emotional regulation techniques and executive functioning skills are crucial for their overall development. Here are some tips to help you in this process:

The Blue Zone encompasses our lowest level of energy or alertness and can be helpful when we have goals such as falling asleep. It also includes when we have sad, bored, or lonely feelings. When we are in the Blue Zone and our goal or task requires more energy, such as focusing in class or playing at recess, it can be helpful to use a tool to provide us with more energy. Some examples of Blue Zone tools are drinking water, standing or stretching, talking with a friend, or even chewing something crunchy.

In the Green Zone we have more neutral feelings, energy, and levels of alertness. This Zone works well when your goal is to learn, listen or process information. We may feel calm, content, happy, or focused in the Green Zone. Although this Zone is often associated with pleasant feelings, it is not the “best” or “good” Zone. Yes, it can be helpful to be in the Green Zone during classroom reading time, for example, but if you are trying to fall asleep, it can be more helpful to have a lower level of energy. And, of course, when playing a competitive sport, it’s helpful to have more energy. Some of tools to support being in the Green Zone include getting enough sleep and exercise, eating healthy foods, and connecting with loved ones.

When we are in the Yellow Zone, we have higher levels energy and stronger emotion, such as feeling excited, fidgety, anxious, or frustrated. Although our feelings are becoming more intense, we usually still have a sense of control when in the Yellow Zone. Being in this Zone can be helpful when competing in a game, doing a school performance, or playing with friends because higher energy or level of alertness helps us engage and perform in these activities. We might decide to regulate our Yellow Zone when our goal is to complete an assignment, try to get some rest/sleep, or study. Some Yellow Zone tools include taking deep breaths, using a fidget, positive self-talk, and connecting with someone for support.

The Red Zone is the highest and most intense Zone, ranging from elation to anger. It’s an important Zone because it helps us when we’re in a situation where we need to react quickly and keep ourselves safe, such as when we are in danger. Learning how to manage these big feelings is important. The Red Zone does not only encompass uncomfortable feelings, it also includes overwhelming positive feelings as well as such as overjoyed and elated. Tools for the Red Zone help us gain a sense of control or stay safe. They tend to be calming in nature and might include taking a break, breathing, mindfulness, and physical activity like running or yoga.

Learn more here: https://zonesofregulation.com/what-are-the-four-zones-of-regulation/