Dr. Mark Swaim on How to Teach Your Child Self-Regulation
Dr. Mark Swaim explains that self-regulation is a child’s ability to control and manage their emotions about the pressures of a situation. It includes being able to handle frustrations, to calm down before getting upset, and to adjust expectations accordingly, among others. It is a very important skill set for a child to learn and develop as a way to direct their behavior towards a goal, despite the world’s volatile nature. Why is self-regulation important? Self-regulation allows your child to function well in society and the world. It will enable them to be more independent, learn in school, make friends, and manage stress. A child’s inborn capacity to self-regulate is largely personality-based. However, their environment plays a significant role, too. Dr. Mark Swaim explains that every time parents go out of their way to soothe an upset child or give in to their temper tantrums, they lose a chance to self-regulate. In this case, they outsource the regulation skills to external...