American psychiatrist Daniel Siegel explains that when our brain fully develops between the ages of 25 to 30 (generally later for males) we are much more effective at using our minds to soothe or calm ourselves. This ability to regulate our emotions is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and handling stress effectively.
We can lower our emotional arousal by practising self-regulation techniques such as physical exercise, breathing exercises, cognitive techniques, self-talk or prayer. These strategies can help us manage our emotions and maintain a balanced state of mind.
At the age of between 3 to 4, children begin to receive the ability to reason and regulate their feelings. However, children are inherently social beings, and they learn calming and soothing processes from “the adults in the room.” This process, known as co-regulation, is an essential co-requisite as they develop effective independent self-regulation skills.
To support parents in fostering these skills in their children, we are excited to announce an upcoming ‘1-2-3 Magic’ three-part parent program in Term 3. This series will provide practical tools and strategies to help parents manage difficult behaviour in children aged 2 to 12 whilst seeking to develop their kids’ self-regulation skills.
If you are interested in participating in this 3-week course please email Anthony at counsellor@mueller.qld.edu.au. Limited spots available.
