Age-Appropriate Emotional Regulation
Sprout worked with a licensed professional counselor to get insight into emotional regulation in children. She is currently finishing up a PHD in counseling and works with children at a nonprofit in their child development center. When asked about different ways that different ages of children are able to self-regulate she shares:
"Emotional regulation abilities develop gradually throughout childhood and adolescence. While there is variability among individuals, here is a general guideline for the appropriate level of emotional regulation at various age levels:
- Infancy (0-2 years): Infants begin to learn basic emotional regulation skills, such as self-soothing and seeking comfort from caregivers when distressed. They rely heavily on external regulation from caregivers to manage their emotions.
- Early Childhood (3-5 years): Preschool-aged children start to develop more sophisticated emotional regulation skills. They can label and express basic emotions verbally, although they may still struggle with controlling intense emotions like anger or frustration. They may use simple coping strategies like taking deep breaths or seeking comfort from a trusted adult.
- Middle Childhood (6-11 years): Children in this age range continue to refine their emotional regulation abilities. They become more adept at recognizing and managing a wider range of emotions, including complex emotions like jealousy or disappointment. They can use cognitive strategies such as problem-solving or perspective-taking to regulate their emotions.
- Adolescence (12-18 years): Adolescents make significant strides in emotional regulation as they gain more self-awareness and impulse control. They can understand and regulate their emotions more effectively, although they may still experience mood swings and intense emotions due to hormonal changes and social pressures. They may also begin to develop more sophisticated coping strategies, such as seeking social support or engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief.
It's important to note that individual differences exist, and children may develop emotional regulation skills at different rates. Additionally, environmental factors, such as parenting styles and social experiences, can influence the development of emotional regulation abilities. Providing children with support, guidance, and opportunities to practice emotional regulation skills can facilitate healthy development in this area."
To support children in developing emotional regulation, caregivers can introduce tools such as mindfulness exercises, emotion cards, or calming techniques like deep breathing. Additionally, modeling healthy emotional regulation and offering consistent, empathetic responses to a child’s emotional needs can significantly enhance their ability to self-regulate over time.
By fostering a nurturing and responsive environment, we can empower children to manage their emotions and navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.