Self-Regulation and School Success

“The key to learning self-regulation skills, is not to avoid situations that are difficult for kids to handle, but to coach kids through them and provide a supportive framework until they can handle these challenges on their own.” Dr. Rouse of the Child Mind Institute

Our CGS educators stress academic success each day, yet perhaps just as important is their focus on helping each individual to manage their social-emotional learning and skills. Understanding self-regulation and implementing social emotional learning skills will contribute to your child’s academic success today, and can set them up for success in later life, too.

Our ability to FOCUS, plus our willingness to CONTROL our emotions coupled with the ability to ADJUST to change, is what is known as “self-regulation”.

Throughout our day at CGS, there are multiple opportunities to practice. Perhaps we may need to adapt to a noisy classmate, manage a friendship at recess, or even adapt to a change in the routine when we return from a long March Break. Each of these is an exercise in self-regulation. 

In addition to the support from our staff, we recently invited Toronto author, Phyllis Bordo to CGS.  

Phyllis introduced us to the world of “Lilly Esther” and her series of children’s books that tackle real-life issues in a light-hearted and approachable way from the perspective of Lilly Esther and her friends. 

As parents, we can support our children’s development of self-regulation by helping them to set their own goals and understand how controlling their emotions and impulses will help them achieve those goals.  

Even as adults, we may need practice with our own self-regulation. Our days can be stressful and require emotional management, too.

How can you be a good example today for your child, and for yourself? Here’s to a successful week ahead!