I am growing and learning so many things so quickly! Yet, I am still so young. I still haven’t mastered the ability to control my emotions. That is something that began when I was born but will continue to develop over my life. I learn to regulate my emotions through my interactions with you and the other trusted adults in my life. As a young toddler, I have very strong feelings. I learn to say loudly and clearly, “NO!” I can become frustrated easily because there are so many things that I want to do, but I am not ready or able to do them yet. I am exploring my world and trying new things every day. That means you will need to help me learn to cope with limits and provide me with guidance fit for a young toddler like me. One of the best ways for me to learn how to handle my strong feelings is for me to see you modeling and showing me how to handle my feelings in a healthy way when you have strong feelings. “I am running late and I can’t find my keys. I feel very frustrated right now.” Remind me how to soothe myself. When I have a breakdown or a tantrum, what I am saying is I am having trouble coping. When you teach me how to calm down, you are giving me a very important life skill. It is important for you to understand the difference between spoiling and soothing. If I fuss because I want to watch a TV show, and you say no, then you give in to me and let me watch TV, I learn that my fussing is a way to be successful in getting what I want. If you comfort me because I am fussing and let me know that you understand that I am disappointed, then help me find another acceptable activity, I am learning how to cope with disappointment. I need lots of soothing, with your gentle consistent guidance. This is how I will best learn how to regulate my emotions.
