Our job as parents and educators is to raise our kids to arrive at adulthood self-sufficiently. Self-regulation is a learned behavior, modeled by adults and actively taught to children. It involves the ability to show self-control, manage emotions, and have focused attention. This is especially important for kids who have ADHD, and for whom this concept may present with more challenges than their classmates. That requires us to have strategies in place to help them learn self-regulation. One way to achieve success is to understand specific triggers. Says Amanda Morin, Educational and Neurodiversity Consultant “Think through which situations create stress or cause outbursts. Is it loud places, bright lights, or other sensory information? Is it when plans or routines change? Knowing the triggers helps you avoid or prepare for tricky situations.” (Morin, 2024). Morin also recommends devising a signal that your student can use when they are feeling overwhelmed. This allows for understanding with little disruption to the class or for the student.  They can then take a brain break, go to a quiet spot in the room or read a book that soothes them. Another self-regulating exercise is the Focus 5-4-3-2-1 that teaches kids how to process through their emotions independently. The links below will help you put these strategies into practice.

 

• Identify triggers
• Choose a frustration signal
• Focus 5-4-3-2-1

 

Trouble with self-regulation: What to know

Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate

 

References:

Morin, A. (2024b, January 4). Trouble with self-regulation: What to know. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/trouble-with-self-        regulation-what-you-need-to-know