{"id":16382,"date":"2022-02-17T19:48:15","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T17:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/?p=16382"},"modified":"2022-11-11T16:09:32","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T14:09:32","slug":"affect-regulation-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/blog\/affect-regulation-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Affect Regulation and Child Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Learn why affect regulation is an essential part of children&#8217;s emotional development and how it relates to attachment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up isn\u2019t easy \u2013 especially emotionally. It\u2019s a time when the unknown feels insurmountably scary. Throughout our childhoods, we face a variety of emotions for the first time; little by little, we learn how to communicate, express, cope with, and regulate our feelings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even though this process is an entirely normal, healthy, and even necessary part of our development, it is often underestimated or left unacknowledged by the grown-ups around us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-1024x632.png\" alt=\"little girl looking at a book\" class=\"wp-image-16388\" width=\"512\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-1024x632.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-768x474.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-1536x947.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-2048x1263.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-2000x1234.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-1500x925.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-1000x617.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-800x493.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-750x463.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-617x381.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-600x370.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-150x93.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-500x308.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-400x247.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-247x152.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-95-110x68.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Caregivers might react negatively to their child\u2019s not-fully-developed ability to regulate and communicate their affect properly. Grown-ups might also value other aspects of a child\u2019s development \u2013 such as school performance and grades \u2013 more than the child\u2019s emotional intelligence. This might lead to growing up with poor affect regulation skills. That, in return, can cause a variety of other issues later in life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For these reasons, this blog post focuses on the importance of developing effective emotion regulation in childhood.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"this-article-covers-the-following-topics\">This article covers the following topics:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-background wp-block-list\" style=\"background-color:#edf1f5\">\n<li>What is affect regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When do children typically start showing signs of emotion regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do caregivers influence the child\u2019s affect regulation skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does attachment play a role in the development of emotion regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can caregivers promote healthy emotional development of their children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-affect-regulation-look-like-in-children\"><strong>What does affect regulation look like in children?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <strong>affect<\/strong> regulation refers to emotional processes, as emotion is made up of both the <strong>cognitive<\/strong> (thoughts) and <strong>affective<\/strong> (emotions) processes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In children, affect regulation can take the form of changing or hiding facial expressions. For example, the child might look around their environment: they are searching for coping resources &#8211; such as the teddy bear they are used to holding on to in stressful situations [1].&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-1024x862.png\" alt=\"child displaying lack of affect regulation\" class=\"wp-image-16389\" width=\"408\" height=\"343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-1024x862.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-300x253.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-768x647.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-1536x1293.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-2048x1724.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-2000x1684.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-1500x1263.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-1000x842.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-800x674.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-750x631.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-617x519.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-600x505.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-150x126.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-500x421.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-400x337.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-247x208.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-96-110x93.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Our ability to regulate our emotions can even be influenced by those around us. For children, these people are usually caregivers, who show support when their children are going through intense emotions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Emotion dysregulation, on the other hand, takes place when the processes of healthy affect regulation are disrupted, thus influencing the child\u2019s psychological and sometimes physical balance.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children throwing temper tantrums, for instance, are usually exhibiting some form of emotion dysregulation. For example, an infant might make a scene and behave erratically if they don\u2019t have the toy they want and are unable to control their frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-affect-regulation-develop-in-early-childhood\"><strong>How Does Affect Regulation Develop in Early Childhood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"infants-start-showing-facial-expressions-as-early-as-in-the-first-3-months-of-life-facial-expressions-however-continue-to-develop-during-the-first-two-years-in-that-period-children-learn-to-associate-situations-with-emotions-and-eventually-begin-how-to-label-these-emotions-1\"><strong>Infants start showing facial expressions as early as in the first 3 months of life<\/strong>. Facial expressions, however, continue to develop during the first two years. In that period, children learn to associate situations with emotions and eventually start to learn how to label or identify these emotions [1].&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By the time they are toddlers, children begin to develop a self-conscious mix of emotions<\/strong> such as guilt and shame, as well as pride.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When in preschool, children begin to understand social cues and contexts better<\/strong>. Their affect regulation skills start to come more and more into play in social situations [1]. Because of this newfound social awareness, children begin to exercise some control over their feelings \u2013 not only for their own interests but also for social purposes and for the \u201csake of others.\u201d For example, children might start to feel ashamed when their behavior isn\u2019t in line with what their parents have taught or expect of them.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-1024x632.png\" alt=\"Girl drinking juice\" class=\"wp-image-16390\" width=\"768\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-1024x632.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-768x474.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-1536x948.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-2048x1264.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-2000x1235.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-1500x926.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-1000x617.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-800x494.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-750x463.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-617x381.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-600x370.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-150x93.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-500x309.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-400x247.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-247x152.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-97-110x68.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Children begin to communicate about their own and other people\u2019s emotions as early as 2 years of age <\/strong>[1]. In this phase, they learn to share what they desire &#8211; such as wanting a specific fruit juice. They realize that this skill helps them to more effectively communicate their needs and wants to their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children around <strong>3 and 4 years of age can already communicate what they believe or expect<\/strong> &#8211; such as knowing that they won\u2019t have their favorite fruit juice at grandma\u2019s house [1].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only <strong>at around 5-6 years of age do children begin to understand the impact of beliefs on emotions<\/strong> &#8211; such as that someone receiving water instead of fruit juice might feel surprised because they wanted juice in the first place [1].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-do-parents-impact-children-s-development-of-affect-regulation\"><strong>How Do Parents Impact Children&#8217;s Development of Affect Regulation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Adults play an essential role in helping children develop an understanding of their own emotions and those of others.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caregivers, especially, are a central part of their children&#8217;s affect regulation development [2]. There are several ways in which&nbsp;caregivers influence their children:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-soothing-a-child-helps-them-learn-to-soothe-themselves\">1. <strong>Soothing a child helps them learn to soothe themselves<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-1024x795.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16392\" width=\"448\" height=\"348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-1024x795.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-768x596.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-1536x1193.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-2048x1590.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-2000x1553.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-1500x1165.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-1000x777.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-800x621.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-750x582.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-617x479.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-600x466.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-150x116.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-500x388.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-400x311.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-247x192.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-98-110x85.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Adults play a crucial role in helping a child learn to regulate distress. This is especially true when children feel frustrated. Growing up, children who were regularly comforted by their caregivers become better able to calm themselves when faced with a difficult situation [1].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-monkey-say-monkey-do\">2. &#8220;<strong>Monkey say, monkey do<\/strong>&#8220;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Children\u2019s emotion regulation and adjustment are largely influenced by mirroring their caregivers&nbsp;[2]. This includes \u201cmonkey say, monkey do\u201d behavior, such as when children mirror their parents\u2019 vocabulary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parenting practices and the emotional environment of the family also come into play here; the child will not only mimic their parents\u2019 social behavior, but they will also likely bring the household emotional environment to their life outside of the family context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-communication-is-key\">3. <strong>Communication is key<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up in a family environment with open conversations about feelings leads to a better general understanding of emotions [3]. Understanding emotions is a necessary first step in developing healthy affect regulation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why it is extremely important to encourage open conversations about our own and others\u2019 emotions in the family setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-s-attachment-got-to-do-with-it\"><strong>What\u2019s Attachment Got to Do With It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Emotion regulation develops in children in a similar way to how attachment styles develop. <\/strong>Children form affect regulation skills and habits based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>how their parents react to their emotions<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>observing how their parents deal with their own emotions<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"children-learn-to-expect-certain-patterns-of-reactions-to-their-emotional-displays-from-their-caregivers\"><strong>Children learn to expect certain patterns of reactions to their emotional displays from their caregivers.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-1024x683.png\" alt=\"insecurely attached children struggle with affect regulation \" class=\"wp-image-16395\" width=\"445\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-1536x1025.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-2048x1366.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-2000x1334.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-1500x1001.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-1000x667.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-800x534.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-750x500.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-617x412.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-247x165.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-99-110x73.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When children feel their caregivers are unavailable or inaccessible to them on both a physical and emotional level, they tend to develop insecure attachment and feelings of anxiety [6]. When caregivers provide little validation and understanding, or maybe act annoyed towards their child\u2019s expressions of emotion, the child learns that their emotions are not important, and may start repressing any form of emotional expression.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insecurely attached children are less able to manage their negative emotions in healthy ways&nbsp;because they had fewer opportunities to learn affect regulation from their parents as compared to securely attached children [6]. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/blog\/anxious-attachment\/\">Anxious ambivalent<\/a>&nbsp;children are more likely to exaggerate their negative emotions to get attention from their parents, as their availability and accessibility are typically inconsistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, in a study that looked at parenthood and attachment, babies who were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/blog\/secure-attachment\/\">securely attached<\/a> to their fathers showed a lower ability to inhibit certain behaviors (as a type of affect regulation) [5]. Therefore, it is possible that fathers are less likely to raise their children to develop certain affect regulation skills. This is not to say that fathers are incapable of, or not good at, raising emotionally healthy children. Rather, these findings demonstrate that, when it comes to the development of affect regulation in children, there might be differences in the impact of father-child and mother-child relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"it-s-also-important-to-remember-that-parents-attachment-style-will-impact-the-way-they-handle-their-own-emotions\"><strong>It\u2019s also important to remember that parents\u2019 attachment style will impact the way they handle their own emotions<\/strong>. <\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, motherly over-protection, or <em>smothering<\/em>, is typical for mothers with high levels of attachment anxiety and could result in the child developing attachment anxiety. Research has demonstrated, for example, that motherly overprotection is associated with higher anxiety, and, resultingly, problematic gaming habits for those mothers\u2019 children [4].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-useful-tips-for-facilitating-healthy-affect-regulation-in-children\"><strong>4 Useful Tips for Facilitating Healthy Affect Regulation in Children<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live &#8211; or work &#8211; with children, you might feel inspired to take on some action to make sure the little ones you\u2019re responsible for form healthy emotion regulation habits &#8211; and prevent emotion dysregulation, of course.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how does everything you just read apply to your life experiences and situations with children?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To keep it as simple and as easy-to-digest as possible, we\u2019ve outlined a few tips you can take advantage of today to encourage the emotional health of children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-1-be-patient\" style=\"background-color:#edf1f5\">Tip #1: <strong>Be patient.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The stages of development may be a little different for each child. However, there\u2019s nothing dysfunctional about that, so don\u2019t worry or jump to conclusions too quickly. Children go through important learning stages that take both time and effort. Accept that they will do so at their own pace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-2-emphasize-open-communication\" style=\"background-color:#edf1f5\">Tip #2: <strong>Emphasize open communication.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Talking openly about negative and positive emotions with a child is a key ingredient in the development of a child\u2019s affect regulation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"free-and-clear-communication-about-feelings-will-help-the-child-learn-to-understand-emotions-and-discuss-them-with-greater-ease\">Free and clear communication about feelings will help the child learn to understand emotions and discuss them with greater ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-3-set-a-good-example\" style=\"background-color:#edf1f5\">Tip #3: <strong>Set a good example<\/strong>.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Children copy the behaviors and habits of the grown-ups around them \u2013 especially their caregivers. This means that if a caregiver often exhibits maladaptive behaviors or emotion dysregulation, their child may likely follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-1024x708.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16396\" width=\"453\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-1024x708.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-768x531.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-1536x1061.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-2048x1415.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-2000x1382.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-1500x1036.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-1000x691.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-800x553.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-750x518.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-617x426.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-600x415.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-150x104.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-500x345.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-400x276.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-247x171.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-100-110x76.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-4-be-there-for-the-good-times-and-the-bad-times\" style=\"background-color:#edf1f5\">Tip #4: <strong>Be there for the good times and the bad times<\/strong>.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A key component of raising a securely attached child with healthy affect regulation skills is to show consistent availability whenever your child needs you. This implies being present to share the joys and fun moments of life <em>as well as <\/em>being there to offer a helping hand or a warm hug during difficult and distressing situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistency will help the child feel that they can rely on you for emotional support. Later in life, they will be able to replicate that learned model of emotional support both with others and with themselves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Emotional development is a complex process that this article cannot describe alone. The aim of this blog post, however, was to shed light on the importance of one specific facet of emotional development &#8211; affect regulation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Affect regulation is closely related to the attachment styles of both the caregivers and the child. Often neglected as a concept, healthy affect regulation cannot only bring many benefits in one\u2019s life: it has the potential to prevent many psychological and physiological issues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-1024x938.png\" alt=\"a woman reading the affect regulation blog post series\" class=\"wp-image-16398\" width=\"322\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-1024x938.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-300x275.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-768x703.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-1536x1407.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-2048x1876.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-2000x1832.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-1500x1374.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-1000x916.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-800x733.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-750x687.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-617x565.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-600x549.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-150x137.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-500x458.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-400x366.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-247x226.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-101-1-110x101.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"curious-to-learn-more\">Curious to learn more?&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more in our Emotion Regulation Blog Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/blog\/intense-emotions-introduction\/\"><strong>Understanding &amp; Coping with Intense Emotions \u2013 Introduction<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotion Regulation in Relationships (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coping with Breakup (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotion Regulation in the Workplace (coming soon)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>How well do you regulate your emotions? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"take-our-free-emotion-regulation-quiz-to-find-out-and-receive-your-report-straight-away\">Take our <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.attachmentproject.com\/emotional-regulation\/\">FREE EMOTION REGULATION QUIZ<\/a> to find out and receive your report straight away!<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-1024x543.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16409\" width=\"768\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-1024x543.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-768x407.png 768w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-1536x814.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-2048x1085.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-2000x1060.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-1500x795.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-1000x530.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-800x424.png 800w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-750x397.png 750w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-617x327.png 617w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-600x318.png 600w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-150x79.png 150w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-500x265.png 500w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-400x212.png 400w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-247x131.png 247w, https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Frame-102-110x58.png 110w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"references\"><strong>References<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zeman, J., Cassano, M., Perry-Parrish, C., Stegall, S. (2006). Emotion Regulation in Children and Adolescents. <em>Journal of Developmental &amp; Behavioral Pediatrics, 27<\/em>(2), 155-168.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Morris, A.S., Silk, J.S., Steinberg, L., Myers, S.S., Robinson, L.R. (2007). The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation. <em>Social Development, 16<\/em>(2), 361-388.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harris, P.L. (2008). <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2008-07784-019\">Children\u2019s Understanding of Emotion<\/a>. In Lewis, M., Haviland-Jones, J.M., Barrett, L.F. (Eds.) <em>Handbook of Emotions<\/em> (3rd Ed.). Guilford Press.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Santoro, G., Midolo, L.R., Costanzo, A., Cassar\u00e0, M.S., Russo, S., Musetti, A., Schimmenti, A. (2021). From Parental Bonding to Problematic Gaming: The Mediating Role of Adult Attachment Styles. <em>Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 9<\/em>(3).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kuo, P.X., Braungart-Rieker, J.M. (2022). Attachment configurations to mothers and fathers during infancy predict compliance, defiance, and effortful control in toddlerhood. <em>Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 58<\/em>, 188-197. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shenaar-Golan, V., Yatzkar, U., Yaffe, Y. (2021). Paternal Feelings and Child\u2019s Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Father-Child Insecure Attachment and Child\u2019s Emotional Regulation. <em>American Journal of Men\u2019s Health, 15<\/em>(6). <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn why affect regulation is an essential part of children&#8217;s emotional development and how it relates to attachment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":16385,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,103,16],"tags":[20,106,102],"class_list":["post-16382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-childhood-development","category-emotion-regulation","category-psychology","tag-childhood","tag-development","tag-emotion-regulation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - 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