5 Steps to Become a More Regulated Parent Protocol

Kids rely on self-regulation skills from caregivers until they can regulate on their own. This is the process of co-regulation. When adults are reactive in response to kids' dysregulation, things escalate and nobody wins. 

This doesn't teach kids a lesson. It teaches them what not to do when managing emotions and encourages poor coping skills. Co-regulation begins with focus on adult self-regulation. This lends an anchor to kids through signals of nervous system safety and behavioral modeling. The result over time is transferrable self-regulation skills from adult to child. This is some of the hardest work you'll ever do as a parent but the reward, which is the social-emotional wellbeing of your child and the foundation for healthy relationships, is so worth it. The good news is that increased knowledge and even just a little more awareness, can make a difference. Start your journey or return to intentional effort and practice with our 5 Steps to Become a More Regulated Parent protocol below.