Emotional Co-Regulation: Supporting Development From Birth to Young Adulthood
The Role of Adult Caregivers in Emotional Co-Regulation Development
Adult caregivers—parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors—are crucial in fostering emotional co-regulation from birth through young adulthood. This interactive process helps children develop essential self-regulation skills.
This brief summarises insights from the Duke Centre for Child and Family Policy, providing guidelines for effective emotional co-regulation at each developmental stage. For further details, access the reports on Toxic Stress and Self-Regulation.
The Importance of Self-Regulation for Lifelong Well-Being
Self-regulation is vital for promoting well-being throughout life, influencing educational achievement and affecting physical, emotional, social, and economic health. It involves managing thoughts and feelings to enable goal-directed actions, playing a key role in success at school, in relationships, and in the workplace.
While self-regulation may seem like an internal process, it develops through interactions with caregivers, including parents, teachers, and coaches. A predictable, responsive, and supportive environment is essential for this development. Therefore, teaching caregivers how to promote self-regulation can be highly beneficial.
For more insights, refer to the work of Murray et al. (2015): Foundations for Understanding Self-Regulation.
Understanding Co-Regulation: Supporting Self-Regulation Development
Co-regulation is the supportive process between caring adults and children, youth, or young adults that fosters self-regulation development. Originally used to describe adult support for infants, the term now encompasses an interactive regulatory support system within caring relationships throughout the lifespan.
As children’s capacity for self-regulation matures, co-regulation adapts, but it remains a vital resource at every developmental stage. This brief outlines co-regulation skills and strategies for caregivers from birth through young adulthood.
Enhancing Self-Regulation for Caregivers: Key Strategies
To effectively co-regulate, caregivers—parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors—must first enhance their own self-regulation. Here are key strategies to help:
- Monitor Emotions: Pay attention to your feelings during stressful interactions with children or youth.
- Reflect on Beliefs: Consider your thoughts and beliefs about the behaviors of others.
- Use Self-Calming Techniques: Employ strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk to respond with compassion and effectiveness.
When caregivers respond calmly, it helps prevent emotional escalation in young people and models essential regulation skills.
Self-regulation can be particularly challenging during stressful times, especially with various demands on a caregiver’s mental and emotional resources. Seeking support, practice, and coaching from friends, family, or professionals can strengthen coping skills, ultimately enhancing caregivers’ ability to promote self-regulation in the children and youth they support.
References:
Project Officer: Aleta Meyer, PhD.
OPRE Suggested Citation: Rosanbalm, K.D., & Murray, D.W. (2017). Caregiver Co-regulation Across Development: A Practice Brief. OPRE Brief #2017-80.
Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, US. Department of Health and Human Services. This brief was funded by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Contract Number HHSP23320095642WC/HHSP23337035T. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
