It’s normal for many parents to wonder if their child is learning enough before kindergarten. Are they seeing letters? Do they know their numbers? Are they beginning to read basic words?
While early academic skills are vital, child development experts believe that one of the most critical talents a young kid can develop has nothing to do with reading.
That’s called emotional regulation.
Simply said, emotional regulation is a child’s capacity to identify their feelings, express those feelings in appropriate ways, and bounce back when things don’t go their way. It’s a talent that enables students to excel not just in school but throughout their lives.
What is Emotional Regulation?
Big feelings are a daily occurrence for young toddlers. They may feel pleased, frustrated, sad, nervous, proud or overwhelmed, sometimes all in the space of a few hours. Kids feel upset. Emotional regulation is about helping them regulate that upset. It means that individuals slowly learn to cope with such feelings in healthy ways.
Some examples:
- Deep breathing when you are frustrated via words, rather than hitting or yelling
- Seeking help when needed
- Patiently waiting for turn
- Bouncing back from a setback
- Learning to work through challenges with friends
It takes time to learn these abilities, and kids need consistent direction from caring adults.
Why Emotional Skills Are So Important
Imagine two kids walking into kindergarten.
One can remember many sight words and count to 100 but gets upset easily when routines change and has difficulties interacting with other children. The other has lower academic skills but knows how to follow directions, express feelings, share with classmates, and bounce back from setbacks.
Which kid is more ready for the classroom?
Many teachers will tell you that social and emotional skills frequently matter more than early academic capabilities in a child’s performance. Children who can control emotions are better equipped to:
- Focus and pay attention
- Build friendships
- Adhere to classroom routines
- Figure out problems on their own
- Manage difficulties and setbacks
- Be comfortable in unfamiliar circumstances.
These skills will serve as a strong basis for future learning.
Emotional Regulation Is Learned via Everyday Experiences
Kids are not born with the ability to deal with emotions. They learn through daily practice. At Greenehouse Children’s Center, some of the most significant lessons are learned during ordinary moments.
- A child learns to take turns in an activity.
- When a friend is sad, they gain empathy.
- They learn communication when they are asked to use words to work out a conflict.
- They learn self-control by following directives in group activities.
These tiny exchanges happen all day long and are very important for healthy toddler emotional development and preschool readiness.
What Parents Can Do at Home
There are no particular lessons or pricey programs that support emotional management. Some of the most effective methods are remarkably simple.
Help kids identify their feelings
Young children often act out because they do not have the language to say what they are feeling.
Try saying:
- “You seem mad.
- “You seem disappointed.
- “Looks like you’re feeling nervous.”
As toddlers learn to recognize emotions, they start to learn how to deal with them.
Remain Calm During Big Emotions
Children learn by watching the adults they see.
It’s times like this that are hard, and if parents respond calmly, then the kids start to mimic that conduct over time
Establish Predictable Routines
Children feel safe and secure through routines. If you know what to expect, you will feel less tension and it will be simpler for children to deal with their feelings during the day.
Support Problem Solving
Don’t rush to solve every problem. Walk children through solutions.
Questions that create a moment where your child can participate and feel a part of the situation help foster confidence and resilience.
- What do you think we can do?
- How do we solve this?
The Academic Skills Will Follow
In their early school years children are taught letters, numbers, and reading skills.
But how well they apply those academic talents typically depends on their ability to communicate, cooperate, deal with frustration, and develop positive connections. When children feel safe emotionally, they are more ready to study, explore and grow. That makes emotional regulation one of the most essential milestones of child development for preschoolers in the early years.
Helping Children Grow Inside Out
At Greenehouse Children’s Center in Dunlap, we think there is more to childhood than just academics. In addition to age-appropriate learning activities, we aim to help children develop confidence, kindness, patience, communication skills and emotional resilience.
Our caring teachers help children develop the social-emotional skills they need to be successful in school and in life by helping children negotiate friendships, solve difficulties, and express their feelings.
If you are seeking a daycare center that will care for, encourage, and support your kid as a whole person, we would love to meet you.
Call Greenehouse Children’s Center today to organize a visit and tour our centers in Dunlap and experience first-hand how we help children learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive atmosphere.
