Helping Preschoolers Develop Emotional Regulation Skills

Introduction

• Welcome: Dr. Roger LaVine, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Specializing in neurologically based disorders including stress disorders, ADHD, and TBI.  Contact info: 954-716-6702, roger@doctorlavine.com, 1980 North Atlantic Ave, Suite 201, Cocoa Beach, FL, www.doctorlavine.com.

• Purpose: Learn about emotional regulation and techniques to teach these skills to preschoolers. Emotional regulation involves managing and responding to emotions in a socially acceptable and flexible manner.

• Overview: Understand emotional regulation, developmental milestones, challenges, and techniques for support.
• Importance: Trajectory better social outcome, better financial outcomes, happier.

 Most Important Skill – Reduce arousal on command

• Emotional Arousal effects feeling, thoughts and behaviors – Scale 1-10
• Train the brain – require conditioning, mind body
• Exercises –
  • Breathing
  • PMR
  • Visualization

Role of Temperament

1. Openness to Experience:
   • Low: Conventional, Unimaginative, Traditional, Routine-oriented
   • High: Creative, Imaginative, Curious, Open-minded
2. Conscientiousness:
   • Low: Careless, Impulsive, Disorganized, Unreliable, Inattentive to detail
   • High: Organized, Dependable, Disciplined, Thorough, Rigid, Industrious
3. Extraversion:
   • Low: Reserved, Introverted, Quiet, Solitary
   • High: Outgoing, Energetic, Sociable, Assertive
4. Agreeableness:
   • Low: Aggressive, Lack of reciprocity, Uncaring, Challenge author
   • High: Compassionate, Cooperative, Trusting, Kind
5. Neuroticism:
   • Low: Calm, Stable, Resilient, Relaxed
   • High: Anxious, Moody, Sensitive, Temperamental

These adjectives can help in understanding the spectrum of each trait and how individuals might express them differently.

 Progressive Developmental Milestones Ages 3-5

Preschoolers, typically aged 3 to 5 years, are in a crucial stage of emotional development. During this period, they begin to develop the ability to regulate their emotions, although they still require guidance and support from adults. Here are some typical emotional regulation milestones for preschoolers:

• Basic Emotion Identification: Children start to recognize and label basic emotions such as happy, sad, angry, and scared.
• Expressing Emotions Verbally: They begin to use words to express their feelings, although they may still rely on physical expressions like crying or tantrums.
• Seeking Comfort: Preschoolers often seek comfort from caregivers when upset and may begin to use transitional objects (like a favorite blanket or toy) for self-soothing.

• Understanding Causes of Emotions: Children start to understand that emotions can be caused by specific events or situations, and they can begin to articulate these connections.
• Delayed Gratification: They may show some ability to wait for short periods for something they want, demonstrating the beginnings of impulse control.
• Simple Problem-Solving: Preschoolers can engage in basic problem-solving to address emotional challenges, such as asking for help or using words to resolve conflicts.

• Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Children begin to show empathy by recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, and they can start to understand that others may have different feelings and perspectives.
• Use of Coping Strategies: They may start to use simple coping strategies, such as taking deep breaths or counting to calm down when upset.
• Increased Emotional Vocabulary: Preschoolers expand their emotional vocabulary and can describe more nuanced feelings, such as frustration or excitement.
• Role of Play: Play becomes a significant way for children express and process emotions, often using imaginative play to work through feelings.

Age-Appropriate Expectations:

• • Improved Self-Control: Gradual development with adult guidance.
  • Role of Play: Express and process emotions through imaginative play.  Learning boundaries and managing aggression through rough play.  Particularly important for those with aggressive temperament.
  • Social Interaction: Navigate sharing, taking turns, and cooperation.

Common Challenges: Tantrums, frustration, and difficulty sharing.

Understanding Emotional Regulation

• Definition: Emotional regulation involves managing and responding to emotions in a socially acceptable and flexible manner.
• Primary and Secondary Appraisals:
  • Primary Appraisal: Initial evaluation of an event’s significance. Determines if an event is irrelevant, benign-positive, or stressful.
  • Secondary Appraisal: Evaluation of coping abilities and resources to manage the situation.
  • Example: Flat Tire – Primary appraisal might trigger stress; secondary appraisal assesses coping options.
• Importance: Crucial for preschoolers for improved social skills, learning outcomes, and overall well-being.

Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Processing

• Top-Down Processing:
  • Definition: Cognitive control of emotions.
  • Characteristics: Involves conscious thought and regulation.
  • Role: Use cognitive strategies like reappraisal and problem-solving.
• Bottom-Up Processing:
  • Definition: Automatic, sensory-driven emotional responses.
  • Characteristics: Reactive and emotionally driven.
  • Role: Manage strong reactions with mindfulness and grounding exercises.

Techniques for Supporting Emotional Regulation

Practice when calm or just mildly excited.

1. Modeling Behavior: Demonstrate calm responses, escalation techniques  and express emotions verbally with modulation of affect.
2. Creating a Safe Environment: Establish routines and provide calm spaces.
3. Teaching Emotional Awareness: Use books and stories to discuss emotions.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Teach simple Breathing and exercises and visualization.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: Guide children through problem-solving steps.
6. Positive Reinforcement: Praise efforts and use reward systems.
7. Role Play and Social Stories: Practice emotional responses through role play.
8. Support Play.

 Techniques exercises

Relaxation Techniques for Preschoolers

1. Deep Breathing Exercises: counting breaths  –  in out,  count 123… , Belly breathing and.  Stuffed animal on belly.
2. Visualization for relaxation: Imaginary balloon and peaceful place.  Imagine blowing up,  remind them of a time they were comfortable, like at beach.  Go through all the senses as a game.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release exercises.  Squeeze lemon, scrunch turtle.
4. Mindful Movement: Animal imitation.  Walking like a lumbering elephant. and simple yoga poses.  One foot.
5. Sensory Activities: Calm jars and texture exploration.
6. Music and Sound: Soothing music and singing.
7. Art and Creativity: Drawing emotions and coloring mandalas.

Guided Imagery and Metaphors for Reducing Anger

1. The Volcano: Cool down with deep breaths.
2. The Balloon: Let air out by expressing feelings.
3. The Storm: Find a safe place to wait it out.
4. The Traffic Light: Stop, think, and go calmly.
5. The Ice Cube: Melt with kindness and patience.
6. The Dragon Within: Tame with calming breaths.
7. The Soda Bottle: Open slowly with controlled breaths.

Mindfulness Activities for Preschoolers

1. Belly Breathing with Stuffed Animals: Focus on breathing.
2. Mindful Listening: Enhance listening skills.
3. Five Senses Exploration: Sensory awareness.
4. Mindful Movement: Body awareness through movement.
5. Nature Walk: Connect with nature.
6. Mindful Coloring: Foster creativity and concentration.
7. Glitter Jar: Visual focus for calming.
8. Mindful Eating: Appreciate food mindfully.
9. Breathing Buddies: Cooperative breathing exercises.

Conclusion

• Emotional Regulation effects the opportunities and life trajectory of your child
• Modeling and Interaction is key to teaching
• Encouragement: Be patient and consistent in helping children develop these skills.

By teaching and practicing  these strategies with their children , parents can support their preschoolers in developing strong emotional regulation skills.

If you’re interested in learning more about Emotional Regulation and how it is impacting you and your relationships, contact Dr. LaVine today for a free consultation. He is happy to share how he helps you or your loved one achieve success and grow.  Dr. LaVine is applauded for being non-judgmental, approachable, and relatable.

AS FOUND IN ADDITUDE MAGAZINE TOP CLINICS

Doctor Roger LaVine, LLC

CONVIENENT:   Telehealth or In Person:  1980 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931