EMOTIONAL REGULATION SKILLS
When challenging moments arise, parents like to see their child manage his or her emotions so that they match what is expected for the situation. Through interactions and experiences, your child is supported in building emotional regulation skills such as:
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Communicating with words
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Staying in boundaries, (e.g. physically and emotionally)
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Sticking to the rules of the game
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Asking a grown-up for help or for a break
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Role-playing appropriate responses to challenges
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Practicing skills so that they become easier
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Making a plan for what to do when challenged
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Responding appropriately to both big and small problems
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Identifying feelings and labeling them
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Identifying levels of arousal and maintaining ideal level
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Thinking about others’ responses to one’s behavior
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Asking permission
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Taking deep breaths and other calming strategies
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Thinking about one’s behavior
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Losing a game gracefully and congratulating the winner
Emotional regulation skills are embedded into the social skills groups and into the individual sessions.
When your child is expected to listen to rules or transition, or when your child is feeling frustrated, stuck, stressed by demands, out of control, etc. my goals are to help your child regulate “in the moment” so he or she can do what is expected and to share tools that you can use so you feel better equipped and more confident in your parenting.
Aargh. I'm frustrated. Wait... HypnoZoids! Ohh.
This will keep them away so I can put my shield down.
And I can use my willpower.
Hmmm. Now I’m in control.
Yay! I did it.