Written by Shannon Gilland

Emotional regulation describes how we manage and respond to our emotions. For children, this often presents more rapidly and intensely than it does as we enter adulthood. Human development is gradual and humans learn to regulate their emotions over time. Beginning at birth they depend on caregivers for emotional management, whereas in adulthood individuals gain independence and responsibility in their direction of emotional management.

Emotional regulation is a crucial skill that children develop as they grow, which influences their well-being and social interactions. From managing anger to expressing joy, emotions shape how a child navigates through the world around them. For some, regulation of these emotions is challenging, thus impacting their relationships, academic progress/performance, and overall experiences of happiness.

Nurturing Emotional Regulation in Children: The Role of Therapy

Emotional regulation describes how we manage and respond to our emotions. For children, this often presents more rapidly and intensely than it does as we enter adulthood. Human development is gradual and humans learn to regulate their emotions over time. Beginning at birth they depend on caregivers for emotional management, whereas in adulthood individuals gain independence and responsibility in their direction of emotional management.

Emotional regulation is a crucial skill that children develop as they grow, which influences their well-being and social interactions. From managing anger to expressing joy, emotions shape how a child navigates through the world around them. For some, regulation of these emotions is challenging, thus impacting their relationships, academic progress/performance, and overall experiences of happiness.

As both a therapist and a parent, I have witnessed firsthand just how difficult the world of emotions can be for our children. Therapy is a great way to assist our children in developing effective regulation skills to become emotionally full.

Understanding Emotional Regulation in Children

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and constructively respond to emotions. For children, this involves recognizing their feelings, understanding the origin of the feeling, identifying triggers for the feeling, and learning appropriate ways in which to express and cope with the emotions. This process is not innate, but rather something which develops over time through their environment, interactions with caregivers, peers, and the world around them. Some children struggle with emotional regulation and begin to exhibit behaviors that overwhelm caregivers, peers, and society. Such behaviors include frequent tantrums, difficulty calming down after being hurt or upset, withdrawal from social interactions including those of their caregivers, and abrupt difficulty with frustration and or stress. These challenges can stem from various factors, including temperament, development, neurological differences, past experiences, and even family dynamics.

The Role of Therapy in Supporting Emotional Regulation in Children

Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions, learn and develop skills essential for emotional regulation, and learn and identify coping strategies to assist. Here are some ways therapy can assist:

1. Development of Emotional Awareness: Through talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy children can develop an understanding of their feeings. Tailored to the developmental stage of a child therapy then can enhance their awareness of different emotions and assist them to learn, label, and articulate their feelings.

2. Identification of Triggers: Therapy can assist children in the identification of situations, people, or environments that lead to unwanted emotions and behaviors. By identifying triggers leading to emotional dysregulation therapists can help children and their families develop proactive strategies to prevent and manage fluctuations in both emotions and behaviors.

3. Building Coping Skills: Therapists employ various techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to teach children how to manage stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger constructively.

4. Promotion of Interpersonal Skills/Social Intelligence: Therapy provides opportunities for children to practice social skills and problem-solving techniques. In therapy, a child will learn communication skills, identify how to navigate relationships, and to express themselves effectively.

5. Supporting Parental Involvement: Therapists work collaboratively with parents and caregivers, guiding how to assist in creating a supportive home environment to foster emotional regulation and resilience.

Emotional regulation is a skill that helps to shape a child’s ability to thrive personally, socially, and academically. Therapy provides a supportive and safe environment to assist our children with development of tools necessary for fostering emotional resilience and well-being. By equipping children with the necessary skills to understand and manage their emotions, therapy empowers them to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and adaptability. Through empathy, skill-building, and nurturing we can empower our children to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Shannon Gilland, CPC, MA

Shannon has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling. She is licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor intern, a member of the American Counseling Association, and trained as a Gatekeep in suicide prevention. Shannon has and continues to serve and support the communities of Las Vegas with great passion and enjoyment.