Children who struggle with dysregulation often experience difficulty with emotional control, impulse control, and self-regulation. Dysregulated children can experience overwhelming emotions, which may result in negative behaviours such as tantrums, aggression, and other disruptive behaviours. These behaviours can be very challenging for both the child and their caregivers. However, there are strategies that can help dysregulated children to learn how to manage their emotions and behaviour. In this blog, we will discuss some of these strategies.
1. Establish Predictable Routines
Dysregulated children often struggle with changes and unpredictability. Therefore, establishing predictable routines can help these children feel more secure and stable. This can include regular meal times, bedtimes, and other daily activities. By establishing predictable routines, children can feel more in control and less anxious.
2. Provide Sensory Input
Sensory input can help regulate the nervous system, which can in turn help with emotional regulation. Activities such as deep pressure touch, vibration, and heavy work activities can be helpful. For example, you might try giving the child a weighted blanket or doing joint compressions. These activities can help the child feel more grounded and centered.
3. Teach Emotional Self-Regulation
Emotional self-regulation is a key skill that dysregulated children need to learn. Teaching children strategies to identify and manage their emotions can be very helpful. For example, you might teach them deep breathing techniques or guided imagery exercises to help them calm down when they feel upset. Other strategies can include mindfulness activities and progressive muscle relaxation.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be very helpful in encouraging positive behaviours in dysregulated children. By rewarding positive behaviours, such as self-regulation or appropriate communication, children are more likely to repeat those behaviours. This can help them learn to self-regulate and communicate their needs in a more positive way.
5. Create a Safe Space
Creating a safe space for dysregulated children can help them feel more secure and comfortable. This can be a designated area in the home, such as a calm-down corner or a quiet room. This space should be free from distractions and have calming items, such as a weighted blanket or fidget toys. Encouraging the child to use this space when they are feeling overwhelmed can help them learn to self-soothe.
6. Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling to help a dysregulated child, seeking professional help can be very beneficial. A therapist or counsellor who specialises in working with children can help the child learn coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
It is imperative to point out the importance of being pro-active and teaching emotional regulation strategies and skills to children BEFORE they become dysregulated. This is essential for their overall emotional and behavioural development. By teaching children the skills they need to regulate their emotions, they are better equipped to handle challenging situations in a healthy way. It is important to model these strategies and skills in advance, so that children can see how to respond appropriately to different scenarios. This can include teaching children how to identify and label their emotions, how to use calming techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness, and any of the above strategies. By proactively teaching these skills, children are better able to manage their emotions and behavior in a way that promotes positive outcomes and healthy relationships with others.
In conclusion, dysregulated children can benefit from strategies that help them feel more in control and able to manage their emotions. By establishing predictable routines, providing sensory input, teaching emotional self-regulation, using positive reinforcement, creating a safe space, and seeking professional help, caregivers can help these children learn to manage their behaviour and emotions. With patience, understanding, and consistent support, dysregulated children can learn to thrive.