Self-regulation: 5 easy ways to support your child

Learning self-regulation helps kids stay focused in the classroom and beyond. Here are six easy ways to cultivate your child's ability to self-regulate.



See also: Self-regulation techniques for children>

Excerpted from the "Peace of mind" article in our March 2013 issue, p. 55.

Don't forget the basics — plenty of sleep and healthy food.

Being tired and hungry are stressors, and self-regulation suffers when children are stressed.

Limit video-game playing, especially close to bedtime.

Try putting on soft music, letting your child chew sugarless gum or suck on a sugarless candy while doing homework.

Build a positive parent-child relationship by spending one-on-one time with each kid.

Self-regulation helps kids stay focused in class and beyond. Here are some easy ways to cultivate this important skill.