HAVING FUN IN CHALLENGING MOMENTS, TAKING THE SERIOUSNESS OUT OF DYSREGULATION.

Have you ever been around a child having a tantrum? Not that fun usually, is it?

What if I told you one of the most powerful ways to help regulate a child who is extremely dysregulated is to have some fun and take out the seriousness of it? It is one of the most powerful strategies, in my opinion, and strongly relates to the concept of ‘co-regulation’ (discussed in this blog post).

What if you are having a great day, encounter a child (or your child) who is dysregulated, and it doesn’t change the good day you’re having? It’s usually because you took care of you first. That’s what this is all about.

So, if you have done your work and you are showing up to the situation happy, or even playful, and can demonstrate that strong connection, not only will you be of tremendous service but you will show the child the powerful benefit of someone who is truly regulated. Often times, self-regulation is taught by modeling or observation. If you are modeling a regulated-person, if you are showing to the child that you are regulated no matter what, then you are doing a great service to yourself and that child.

Often times, my best ideas come from this regulated-state rather than being stressed over the situation in front of me.

Interested in learning more? Check out these resources:

Co-Regulation Handbook (for adults): https://amzn.to/4fciPLz

Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm: https://amzn.to/4ocvm5S

Social Emotional Faces Activity: A fun way to learn and talk about feelings: https://amzn.to/4l0gRz2

Self-Regulation Deck for Kids (ages 8-11): https://amzn.to/4l0TGVm

Stay tuned as Growing Butterflies Pediatric OT is creating its own self-regulation & co-regulation workbook and curriculum for children and families :)