Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One common challenge parents face is dealing with a dysregulated child. A dysregulated child is one who struggles to manage their emotions, which can lead to outbursts, tantrums, and difficulty in calming down. However, for parents and caregivers there are effective strategies that can be employed, to help both the dysregulated child and themselves navigate these moments.
Stay Calm and Model Emotion Regulation:
Children often take cues from the adults around them. When faced with a dysregulated child, it's crucial for parents to remain calm. Take deep breaths and model emotional regulation. This not only sets an example for your child but also creates a more conducive environment for them to regain control of their emotions. This is easier said than done. For more tips on how you can practice this in your own life, review this article from Growing Minds Psychology NYC.
Validate Their Feelings:
Let your child know that their feelings are valid, even if you don't agree with their behavior. Use empathetic language like, "I can see you're really upset right now." This helps the child feel understood and may reduce the intensity of their emotional outburst. Here are some tips on how you can best support your child through emotional validation.
Create a Safe Space:
Designate a safe space where your child can go when they feel overwhelmed. This can be a cozy corner with soft pillows or a favorite stuffed animal. Encourage them to use this space to self-regulate and calm down. Calm Down Corners helps a child know that there is a safe place at home or school where they can go collect themselves without fear of punishment.
Use Time-In, Not Time-Out:
Instead of punitive time-outs, consider using "time-ins." This involves staying with your child in their safe space and offering comfort and support while they calm down. It fosters a sense of security and connection.
Teach Emotion Regulation Skills:
Help your child learn strategies to manage their emotions. Deep breathing exercises, counting to ten, or using a calm-down jar filled with glitter can be effective tools. Practice these techniques together during calm moments. One terrific way to do this is with yoga. Check out some tips from Yo Re Mi on how to incorporate yoga and other regulation tools into your and your children’s daily lives.
Establish Routines:
Predictable routines can provide a sense of security for a dysregulated child. Try to maintain consistent schedules for meals, bedtime, and activities. This helps reduce stress and anxiety. Visual schedules are a great way to accomplish this.
Limit Sensory Overload:
Some children become dysregulated due to sensory overload. Pay attention to your child's sensory sensitivities and try to minimize overwhelming stimuli. This could include noise, bright lights, or crowded spaces. Finding triggers, noticing the symptoms of dysregulation and finding remedies can help to keep your child happy. Get more information of how best to do this, with tis article from ChildMind Institute.
Seek Professional Help:
If your child's dysregulation is persistent and significantly disrupts their daily life, consider seeking guidance from a pediatrician, therapist, or counselor. They can offer specialized strategies and support tailored to your child's needs. This finder from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry connects parents with providers in their area. The American Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology provides similar services.
Self-Care for Parents:
Dealing with a dysregulated child can be emotionally draining. It's essential for parents and caregivers to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, seek support from friends or support groups, and remember that it's okay to ask for help. PEPS has created a great resource list for self care for parents and well as self care for parents of newborns. Check them out and apply some of the ideas to your area/ lifestyle.
Celebrate Progress:
Acknowledge and celebrate small victories. When your child successfully manages their emotions or uses one of the techniques you've taught them, praise their efforts. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator.
Dealing with a dysregulated child can be challenging, but with patience, empathy, and consistent strategies, you can help your child develop essential emotional regulation skills. Remember that every child is unique, and it may take time to find the strategies that work best for your family. Building a strong, supportive, and loving relationship with your child is the foundation for helping them thrive, even in moments of dysregulation.
***Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is important to note that laws, regulations, and circumstances may have changed since that time. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you independently verify and validate any information I provide before making decisions or taking actions based upon it. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of the information provided. It is always recommended to consult with relevant professionals or experts in specific fields for tailored advice and guidance. Please be aware that interactions and communications on this platform do not establish a professional-client relationship. The responsibility for evaluating and validating the information provided rests solely with the individual readers. By using this platform, you agree to hold me harmless from any liability or claim in connection with the use of the information provided. Always seek professional advice and consult with appropriate authorities or experts regarding specific legal, financial, medical, or any other professional matters. Thank you for understanding.***
**Disclaimer: Mama, It Takes a Village has not been a client of any of the listed services or products mentioned in this blog post, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Mama, It Takes a Village does not endorse or guarantee the quality or effectiveness of any of the mentioned establishments or their services. The information provided is based on publicly available information and recommendations. Individuals are advised to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when selecting and utilizing the services mentioned. Mama, It Takes a Village is not responsible for any issues or experiences that may arise from engaging with the mentioned services or products. Thank you for understanding.**
Comments