How do you feel when you don’t know how to comfort your child when they’re going through mental torment? Helpless, we bet! However, what if we tell you that you can easily overcome such shortcomings through certain practices? Feeling elated at this prospect, aren’t you? Well, the key here lies in connecting with your kids and forming unwavering bonds with them through what we call “co-regulation.”
So, what is co-regulation? The term co-regulation or emotional co-regulation refers to interpersonal interactions that are continuously in flux, always adapting and changing to maintain a state of happiness. It differs from emotional support, which focuses on the support given to someone experiencing an emotion. In this article today, we at The Navyandhra School, recognized among the Best Schools in Sector 49, will try and give you an understanding of the concept of co-regulation, with the help of which your kids can develop into healthy, happy, and stable individuals. Let’s get going!
“Practices” to adopt
Please note that we have emphasized the word “practice” here, as the steps of co-regulation are like an art form, which you need to refine over time. So, jump in and enlighten yourself.
- Calm your child instead of mirroring their energy:
Each one of us comes across times of increased stress. The same holds true for children. However, as responsible parents, it is important to find ways to calm your child and direct his/her energy in the right direction.
What generally happens is that when children are upset, they often act out or cry. You’ll not be able to calm the child if you mirror this behavior by crying or yelling back. However, if you take a deep breath and try to relax, the child is more likely to calm down.
- Provide comfort by hugging warmly:
Hugging your children is not just a way to show them love. It’s also a way to calm them down. It is a great way to comfort them in distress or just to say hello. This physical contact can be beneficial for both you and your child. It releases oxytocin, which is a hormone that soothes the nervous system. It lowers stress levels and reduces social anxiety as well. In fact, hugging your kids also instills a sense of empathy in kids. They become closer to you than ever before when they reciprocate and curl up in you.
- Get down to your child’s level to establish a better connection with them:
Most children are perceptive and can pick up on the subtlest of cues. They can also be very intuitive. They know when they are not being listened to or cared for properly. Thus, how you communicate with your child, in both verbal and non-verbal ways, is important. It’s important to get down to their level and make eye contact with them when communicating with them. This will show that you care about what they have to say, and it will be easier for them to understand what you’re saying if you do this.
- Help your kids identify and understand their emotions:
The ability to identify and label emotions is an important life skill that can help children grow into more well-adjusted adults. After all, emotions are a part of the human experience. As such, it is important for children to learn about their emotions at a young age itself so that they can grow up to be more well-adjusted adults who know how to handle their feelings in healthy ways. Doing this will pave the way for them to have happy social and family lives, which is far more important than anything else. Remember, this act will define who they become, and hence, is of paramount importance.
- Avoid outside disturbances:
Many children have difficulty regulating their emotions, which leads them to throw tantrums, outbursts, and other disruptive behaviors. Disturbances such as loud noises and bright lights can make it even harder for them to calm down. By removing your child from these disturbances, you can actually help them learn how to regulate their emotions healthily.
Emotional co-regulation is the way to a happy & healthy life!
Raising a healthy, socially accepted child is not an easy task. It requires a lot of time, patience, efforts, and dedication. However, if you manage to teach the art of emotional co-regulation to your kids, it becomes quite manageable. It will help them feel safe and understood, which is an essential part of growing up. Just make sure you understand them and know how to help them in their times of need. This will also help you immensely during your parenting endeavors.
Thus, we at The Navyandhra School, one of the Best Schools in Sector 49, would like to urge all the loving parents reading this write-up to try and instill the skill of co-regulation in your children, and you will soon witness the change in their behavior and positivity in their attitude towards life.
