MINNEAPOLIS — With the COVID-19 pandemic entering its third year, many Americans are feeling the emotional and mental toll the pandemic has inflicted, including children and teens.
In order to help with the burden, Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and co-host of Mom Enough podcast, joined KARE11 Saturday to discuss how teaching kids self-regulation can help manage their feelings and stress.
During KARE11 Saturday, Dr. Erickson explained how the foundation of self-regulation begins in the infant and toddler stages, as parents act more of a co-regulator with their feelings and impulses. She also discussed how parents can continue to be a "regulatory partner" with their kids as they develop and grow up.
Self-regulating is being able to recognize feelings, how to express them appropriately and learning self-calming skills.
Dr. Erickson explained four practical ways to help children learn self-regulation:
- Provide consistent, sensitive care and comfort in infancy
- Think out loud, naming feelings and ideas for managing them
- Practice mindfulness and teach children the same
- As a family, plan ways to create a healthy “sensory diet”
In her latest podcast from Jan. 10, with teacher Mike Huber of St. David's Center for Child and Family Development, she dives into self-regulation in preschoolers and preparing for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Watch more KARE11 Saturday:
Watch the latest coverage from KARE11 Saturday in our YouTube playlist: