Parents, teachers, coaches, and other adult mentors play a key role in shaping and supporting children's ability to self-regulate through an interactive process called "co-regulation."
The home environment, including a child's relationship with parents and primary caregivers, is the biggest influence on a child's ability to develop self-regulation skills. Home visitors have a unique opportunity to help both the child and parent or caregiver develop self-regulation skills and to help strengthen their relationship.
These tip sheets are based on a series of reports on Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress prepared for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). They offer:
- A review of key concepts related to self-regulation
- A list of the skills developing in each age group
- Six co-regulation tips for caregivers to support specific self-regulation skills developing at each stage
Self-Regulation Snap Shot #1: A Focus on Infants and Toddlers
Explore key concepts around self-regulation development and intervention for infants and toddlers.
Self-Regulation Snap Shot #2: A Focus on Preschool-Aged Children
Discover key concepts to promote the development of self-regulation for preschool-aged children.
Supporting the Development of Self-Regulation in Young Children: Tips for Practitioners Working with Families in Home Settings
Home visitors can use the tips in this document to help parents and caregivers support the specific self-regulation skills their child is developing.
Last Updated: September 14, 2022