Self-Regulation and Self-Control

This blog post aims to explore the concept of self-regulation and highlight the distinctions between self-regulation and self-control. The post also outlines the five strategies (5Rs) that can assist in facilitating self-regulation in children and other resources that will help educators, families and all stakeholders.

Self-regulation is the ability to manage your own energy states, emotions, behaviours and attention, in ways that are socially acceptable and help achieve positive goals, such as maintaining good relationships, learning and maintaining wellbeing. Dr. Stuart Shanker

           Difference between Self-Regulation and Self-Control 

                                                                    Self-Regulation                                           

   

                                                             Self-Control

                             

Now that we know…. Now what?

How can we help children Self-Regulation?

Some children need help controlling their emotions while minimizing impulsivity.

The 5 R's in Self-Regulation:

1.     Reframe the behavior. 

Understand the behaviour from the child is not malicious.

2.     Recognizing the stressors: 

This may be a scent, an event, an emotion, a sound or light   etc. that causes physiological stress in the child.

3.     Reduce the stress: 

Consider where else we can reduce the stressors.

4.     Reflecting and enhancing stress awareness{ 

See what works and what doesn't work each time and ensure it's consistent.

5.     Respond to personalized ways to support the resilience in the child:

This can be done  through praise with the child. Praise them when they successfully regulate their emotions.

 

Additional resources for educators, families and all stakeholders:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INGgzIO7vOY

You can visit these websites as well:

https://self-reg.ca/

https://www.thepathway2success.com/15-classroom-practices-to-build-self-regulation-skills/  

Courtesy of FrancineV@NU