What is co-regulation and self-regulation and how can I master this with my child?

Co-regulation is the process of someone with a regulated nervous system, perhaps a parent, (and this means they are feeling safe and relaxed), effectively sharing their calm with someone whose nervous system is spiralling out of control, for example, your tantruming toddler. Through warm and responsive interactions that provide support, coaching and modelling, you are able to help your children understand, express and modulate their emotions and behaviours.

Self-regulation is the mastering of co-regulation. When you are able to self-regulate, you are able to independently rely on your inner resources and tools to feel calm. You are able to manage your big emotional responses and impulses to certain experiences in life.  We learn how to regulate our emotions initially through our primary caregivers. 

Read on about Mastering the Meltdown – The Five C’s, by clicking on the buttons below.