Supporting Emotional Regulation in Children and Teens: A Guide for Families
Emotional regulation is a crucial skill for children and teens to develop as they navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s managing frustration, coping with anxiety, or expressing emotions in a healthy way, emotional regulation lays the foundation for strong mental health and positive relationships. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary psychologists specialize in helping families foster emotional regulation skills in children and teens through strength-based, evidence-informed therapies.
If your child or teen struggles with managing big emotions, you’re not alone. Emotional regulation challenges are common, especially for those dealing with ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or other mental health concerns. With the right strategies and support, your family can help your child build the skills they need to thrive.
What is Emotional Regulation?
Emotional regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and respond to emotional experiences. For children and teens, this can mean identifying their emotions, calming themselves during stressful moments, and expressing their feelings in constructive ways.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we understand that emotional regulation doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Factors such as developmental stages, mental health conditions, and environmental stressors can make it harder for children and teens to regulate their emotions. That’s why our Calgary psychologists use tailored approaches to help individuals build these skills in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Why Emotional Regulation Matters
Strong emotional regulation skills are essential for success in school, relationships, and overall well-being. When children and teens struggle with emotional regulation, it can lead to:
Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
Challenges in forming and maintaining friendships
Increased anxiety, frustration, or sadness
By working with psychologists in Calgary who specialize in emotional regulation, families can help their children and teens overcome these challenges and develop tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
How Calgary Psychologists Can Help
At Creative Sky Psychology, our team of Calgary psychologists uses evidence-based techniques to help children and teens improve their emotional regulation skills. Some of the approaches we use include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps children and teens identify unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional dysregulation. By reframing these thoughts, they can learn healthier ways to respond to challenging situations.Positive Psychology:
This approach focuses on building strengths and fostering optimism. By identifying what’s going well in their lives, children and teens can develop a more balanced perspective and improve their emotional resilience.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
ACT teaches children and teens how to accept difficult emotions without being overwhelmed by them. This helps them stay focused on their values and goals, even during challenging moments.Play-based and Art-based Therapy:
For younger children, creative therapies like play and art therapy provide a safe space to express emotions and practice self-regulation in a way that feels natural and engaging.Parent Therapy:
Parents play a vital role in helping their children develop emotional regulation skills. Our Calgary psychologists provide parent coaching to equip families with practical tools and strategies to support their children at home.
Practical Tips for Parents to Support Emotional Regulation
While working with a psychologist in Calgary can provide valuable guidance, there are also steps you can take at home to support your child’s emotional regulation:
Model Healthy Emotion Management: Show your child how you handle stress and frustration in healthy ways. Your actions set an example for them to follow.
Teach Emotional Awareness: Help your child identify and name their emotions. Using tools like an “emotion wheel” or journaling can make this process easier.
Create a Calm-Down Space: Designate a quiet area in your home where your child can go to self-soothe when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Practice Mindfulness Together: Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided meditation, can help your child develop self-calming techniques.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and praise your child’s efforts to manage their emotions, no matter how small the progress may seem.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your child or teen is struggling with emotional regulation despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek support from a Calgary psychologist. Signs that additional help may be needed include:
Persistent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Difficulty coping with everyday stressors
Challenges in school or social settings
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD
At Creative Sky Psychology, we provide personalized therapy for children, teens, and families to address emotional regulation challenges. Our Calgary psychologists are dedicated to helping families build stronger connections and create lasting positive change.
Helping your child or teen build emotional regulation skills is a journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Creative Sky Psychology, our team of Calgary psychologists is here to support your family every step of the way. With evidence-based therapies and a compassionate, strength-based approach, we’ll work together to create positive, lasting change.
Looking for support for adults experiencing challenges related to ADHD and anxiety? Visit our NU Psychology website to learn more about therapy and resources for teens and adults. Learn more about how parents can support their child’s self esteem here.
