You Can't Be It If You Can't See it

When children are learning to ride a bicycle, training wheels are often attached to provide support and stability. The training wheels represent the external support and guidance that parents or caregivers provide in co-regulation. They offer balance and prevent the child from falling or losing control completely.

Similarly, in co-regulation, parents or caregivers act as the training wheels for children's emotional and behavioral regulation. They provide the necessary support, guidance, and modeling to help children navigate their emotions and behaviours. Just as the training wheels gradually lift off as the child gains confidence and balance, parents gradually reduce their involvement as children develop their own self-regulation skills.

Co-regulation is a process that often starts with parents or caregivers and is then gradually passed down to children. Co-regulation refers to the interaction between an adult and a child that helps the child regulate their emotions, behaviour, and physiological responses. It involves providing support, guidance, and modeling appropriate responses, which assists the child in developing their own self-regulation skills.

Parents play a crucial role in co-regulation by providing a secure and nurturing environment where children can learn to manage their emotions and behaviours. They act as emotional anchors for their children, helping them understand and regulate their feelings. Parents achieve this through various means, such as responding sensitively to their child's needs, providing comfort, setting appropriate boundaries, and demonstrating effective emotional regulation themselves.

As children grow older, they start to internalize the co-regulation skills they have learned from their parents. They gradually develop their own self-regulation abilities and become more independent in managing their emotions and behavior. However, it is important to note that co-regulation continues to be beneficial even as children become more self-regulated. Parents can still provide support and guidance, especially during challenging or overwhelming situations, helping their children navigate complex emotions and find appropriate ways to cope.

Ultimately, the goal is for children to become self-regulated individuals who can independently manage their emotions and behaviours in various contexts. Co-regulation serves as an important foundation for this development, with parents playing a crucial role in modeling and supporting their children's growth in this area.