Promoting Self-Regulation in Early Education
Jeannie Forrest | ACSI USA Assistant Director of Early Education
Self-regulation is a foundational skill that helps children to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in response to different situations. In early education, self-regulation includes focusing attention, controlling impulses, adapting to changes, and managing frustration. Applying Galatians 5:22-23, self-regulation reflects the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control, patience, and gentleness. Teaching self-regulation is not only a developmental necessity but also a spiritual opportunity to help children grow toward reflecting Christ-like character in their daily lives.
Why We Need to Teach Self-Regulation
Young children are not born with the ability to regulate their emotions and behaviours – it’s a skill that must be developed over time. Because their brains are still maturing, young children are naturally impulsive and emotionally reactive. Without intentional guidance, they may struggle to manage frustration, follow instructions, or resolve conflicts with peers. Self-regulation is a learned skill that even the youngest learners can begin to develop with consistent support and practice. Teaching self-regulation helps children build emotional stability, enabling them to pause, think, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Children with strong self-regulation skills are better equipped to succeed academically, form healthy relationships, and face challenges with confidence and resilience.
Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
3 Strategies to Promote Self-Regulation
- Model Self-Control Through Co-Regulation– Children develop self-regulation by first experiencing co-regulation with a trusted adult. When teachers model calm, controlled responses to challenges, children learn how to manage their own emotions. Responding with a steady tone, taking deep breaths, and talking through problem-solving steps aloud helps children understand how to process their emotions and make thoughtful choices. By staying calm and providing gentle guidance during stressful moments, adults create a secure environment where children feel supported and are better able to practice self-regulation.
- Establish Consistent Routines– Predictability helps children feel secure and fosters emotional control. As adults, we find comfort in understanding God as a God of order. So too, children are better able to regulate themselves through trusting what comes next. This includes consistent classroom routines, visual cues, and verbal reminders to help children prepare for transitions and reduce anxiety. Over time, these predictable patterns give children the confidence and emotional stability to manage changes and unexpected challenges more effectively.
- Teach Emotional Labelling and Problem-Solving– Encouraging children to identify and name their feelings is a key step in developing self-regulation. When children can recognize emotions like frustration, sadness, or excitement, they are better equipped to manage their responses. Provide a “feelings chart” or emotion cards to help children express what they’re feeling. Teach simple problem-solving steps like “stop, take a breath, and think” to help them pause and respond thoughtfully. Role-play different scenarios to guide children through appropriate responses to emotional challenges. Consistently reinforcing these strategies helps children build confidence in managing their emotions and developing healthy relationships.