On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the vital topic of self-regulation in children. Joined by Tove Gant, we explore why self-regulation is essential for child development. Meg and Tove discuss various practical strategies to help parents navigate this crucial aspect of parenting. From temper tantrums to sensory overload, the episode covers the challenges and techniques parents can use to foster self-regulation in their children. Understanding self-regulation is key to raising resilient, emotionally balanced children, and this episode provides valuable insights for parents at any stage. What is Self-Regulation? Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behavior, and physiological responses. Meg explains that self-regulation begins early in life, even at 34 weeks gestation. It involves various developmental stages, from physiological regulation to emotional and behavioral regulation. Parents play a critical role in helping children learn to regulate their emotions and actions. Initially, parents must regulate for their babies, but gradually, children need to take on this responsibility. As children grow, parents must balance co-regulating with their child and teaching them to self-soothe. The Role of Parents in Self-Regulation Parents are instrumental in helping children develop self-regulation skills. Meg emphasizes the importance of guiding children through frustrations rather than eliminating them. Just as parents assist children in learning to walk by providing support, they must also help them develop self-regulation. This requires parents to strike a balance between soothing and encouraging independence. The episode highlights the importance of "co-regulation," a gradual process where parents help children take responsibility for managing their emotions. Challenges of Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Children often face sensory challenges, which can impact their ability to self-regulate. Tove shares personal experiences with her children, especially those with special needs, and how sensory overload can affect their behavior. Meg explains the relationship between sensory processing and self-regulation, offering practical strategies for parents. Parents must learn to adjust environments to their child's sensory needs while also slowly pushing them to handle more challenging situations. This "grading" helps children expand their comfort zones without overwhelming them. The Link Between Self-Regulation and Emotional Attachment Secure attachment between parents and children is essential for emotional regulation. Meg discusses the importance of emotional connections in developing self-regulation skills. Children who feel loved and secure are more likely to manage their emotions effectively. Meg refers to research showing that parents don't need to respond perfectly every time to create a secure attachment. Small failures, followed by repair, help children develop resilience and emotional regulation skills. Conclusion This episode provides parents with practical, research-backed advice on nurturing self-regulation in children. Meg and Tove emphasize the importance of balancing support and independence. By allowing children to face frustrations within a secure, loving environment, parents can help them develop essential life skills. Listeners will benefit from this episode by gaining valuable insights and strategies for raising emotionally resilient children. It’s a must-listen for parents seeking to understand and support their child’s emotional development through self-regulation.