Games to Help Children with Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, or the ability to control your emotions or behavior, is an essential life skill for kids. It helps with everything from social relationships to self-care to learning how to read and write. If a kid can handle their feelings and choose to act in ways that help them achieve specific goals (such as ignoring distractions to focus on reading, or not melting down losing at a game so other kids will want to keep playing with them), they are off to a great start in life.

Changes in school routine as a result of Covid-19, can make things more challenging for children who already struggle with self-regulation. As a result of stress and anxiety, and less structure, you may see these children becoming more impulsive, displaying more intensive emotions, or having a more difficult time following rules and expectations. The good news is, there are ways that you can help your child with these behaviors, in a fun and engaging way. Since children typically learn best through play, games are a great way to practice self-regulation.

Here is a list of websites that include fun games to teach this important skill:

10 Self-Regulation Games that Require No Prep

10 Games to Teach Kids Self-Control

30 Games and Activities to Teach Self-Regulation

If you try out some of these games, I would love to know what you think. Feel free to email me a picture of your family playing some of these games. It's fun to see what is working for your family and how you are spending your time together during this extended time at home.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at L.molloy@stbs.org if you have questions or concerns about your child's social/emotional wellbeing.