Emotional Regulation & Coping
Managing emotional intensity, calming down, and using strategies to cope with difficult feelings.
Examples & Achievements
- Uses a calming strategy when upset (deep breaths, counting, quiet space)
- Recovers from a tantrum or meltdown within 5-10 minutes
- Manages transitions between activities without prolonged distress
- Expresses frustration verbally rather than physically
- Accepts "no" or a change of plans with only brief disappointment
How to Measure
- Uses an independent calming strategy at least once per day (observed)
- Recovery time from upset is 10 minutes or less (parent/teacher report)
- Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC)
- ASQ:SE-2 Self-Regulation section
- Frequency of physical aggression incidents (decreasing trend)
Sources (4)
- CASEL
- Siegel
- EYFS (Self-Regulation)
- Zelazo (Hot EF)