Self Regulation, A Gift for Children

5 Holiday Activities that Foster Self Regulation

• Paper Chains
• Advent Calendars
• Waiting for Snow
• Not Interrupting Grown Up Conversation (oh! so! hard!)
• Waiting for Santa

One of the greatest predictors of academic success is self regulation. Very simply, it is the ability to control your emotions, your hands and your impulses.  I am a lifelong student of self regulation and appreciate how difficult it is at times to wait my turn or to hold a thought, especially when I am excited. This time of year, there are plenty of opportunities to practice.  I like to think of self regulation as a muscle that needs to work to build strength. It will undoubtedly be easier to give kids what they want when they want it in the short haul but parents will do better to keep the long range goal of self regulation in mind, even when it is hard. Self regulation often looks like patience and it is well worth the effort!