The “let it all hang loose” attitude of the 1970’s is over.  Researchers now state that emotional and behavioral regulation is essential to self-esteem, solid relationships and happiness later on in life.

Emotional regulation refers to the intensity and duration of feeling states.  Behavioral regulation refers to the emotionally driven behavioral reactions. 

Types of challenges include:

-Tolerating frustration

-Coping with fear and anxiety

-Defending themselves and their belongings

-Tolerating being alone

-Negotiating friendships

Parents can assist thier children through modeling responsive interactions which are:  sensitive, cooperative, supportive and accepting as well as a giving and taking nature.

Overpowing, anxiety provocing disipline interfears with a child’s ability to learn and confuses them.  Reasoning is a much better teacher and elivates their cognative and language skills.