Simple Tips To Help Kids Self-Regulate: When Children's Energy Is Too Low Or Too High

Some kids seem to not have enough energy needed for certain activities. However, some kids have too much energy when it is not needed -- sleep time or while waiting at the doctor's office.

Therefore, it is important for parents to teach simple tips to help kids self-regulate. Today's Parent shared some self-regulation techniques that parents could teach their children.

1. Self-regulation at school

Kids are required to be alert, concentrated and focused during school classes. A child that is restless and has a fast pulse rate and respiratory rate might be too stimulated while a child who has difficulties focusing or staying awake is understimulated.

Chewing a gum can be helpful for overstimulated kids because the repetitive act of chewing can calm down restless children. For understimulated kids, sitting on a yoga ball that slightly bounces instead of sitting on a chair can engage and stimulate their bored minds. For those who are easily distracted, teachers can use a microphone to make the kids more alert.

2. Self-regulation at home

Many kids have a hard time waking up and feel sluggish during the morning. Giving kids something cold such as a cold drink, frozen grape or iced water can help get them out of their lethargic state.

For kids who are having a hard time doing their homework, playing tug-of-war or letting them carry some laundry upstairs can stimulate their minds properly before dealing with their assignments. "For teenagers, you can even buy a cheap can crusher at the local hardware store and let them smash a few empty pop cans before starting their algebra," Today's Parent added. For kids who are too stimulated to sleep during bedtime, parents could try to provide them with warm baths, stuffed toys, soft pillows, calm music or tire them out with exercise hours before they go to bed, according to Additude.

Self-regulation is a lifelong skill that all kids need to learn. These tips could help children perform well during difficult activities and peacefully get through the boring times.