Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions - Harvard Health
Co-regulation is a process in which caregivers can help young people learn better ways to regulate their emotions during the inevitable upsets and challenges of life. But before a caregiver can help a child, they need to understand their own emotional skills and limitations.
Overview
Added
March 5, 2026
Related situation
Audience
parent
Grade range
Kindergarten–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Article
Keywords
health information medical information health news health report health newsletters health newsletter Harvard Health Publications Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Health health.harvard.edu health harvard edu Harvard Heart Letter Harvard Health Letter Harvard Women's Health Watch Harvard Mental Health Letter Harvard Men's Health Watch Perspectives on Prostate Disease
Introduction
Understanding Co-Regulation in Parenting
- Definition: Co-regulation is a supportive, interactive process where caregivers help children and teens manage big emotions through warm, responsive interactions.
- The Caregiver's Role: Adults must first recognize and regulate their own emotions, as feelings are contagious. This requires patience, practice, and a "growth mindset."
- Goal: The ultimate objective is to foster self-regulation in children, which is the ability to manage one's own emotions and behaviors independently.
- Key Self-Regulation Skills:
- Emotional awareness and literacy.
- Perspective-taking and social skills.
- Focus, problem-solving, and flexibility.
- Time management and goal-setting.
- Benefits: Improved self-regulation is linked to better life outcomes, including higher income, lower substance use, and the ability to adapt to challenges and resist immediate gratification.
- Target Audience: While beneficial for all children, it is especially critical for those facing high-stress environments like economic hardship, divorce, or substance abuse.
- **Practical Steps for Parents
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