You may have heard this term, "self-regulate". It is a well-used word these days for the way an individual can calm themselves in a stressful situation. A simple definition is that it is the way someone handles emotions, positive or negative. Some children have this skill more innately, and others need help developing the skill of self-regulation. It is even evident with infants. When a baby is agitated during feedings or diaper changing, this may indicate they have a harder time self-soothing. Later, this develops into a lack of self-regulation. As this child gets older, a parent may tend to want to rescue the child from feeling negative emotions. The child then turns to the parent as their external source of self-regulation.

Do you ever have your children look at you and say, "Why are you stressed?" or "Why are you frustrated?" or "Why are you sad?" or "Why are you excited?". And, the next minute, the children are mimicking your emotion. This concept is called co-regulation. I see this in my own family as well as in my play therapy office. First, what is regulation? In general, it refers to adjusting your response to change. Hence, self regulation is an internal response to a situation or emotion.

With Anxiety increasing year after year, we as parents are searching for ways to help our children not become overly anxious. In fact, the CDC published children with anxiety increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011- 2012. One in six ages 2-8 years has a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder.

Here are activities to do with your child as well as teach your child to instill a calmness.

Millions of Americans hit the roads and skies for holiday travel. This can be a stressful time on parents and children. The delays, safety concerns, health concerns, and just mere frustrations can bring on anxiety to all. However, with careful planning before you go, it could be a lot more enjoyable. One rule of thumb is to try to keep your cool, easier said than done! Being with family and friends during the holidays can be such an exciting time!

Establish Routine - It is no surprise that establishing a daily routine will lend to a more peaceful day. But, how do you do this when the regular routine of going to school is not in place, for example during the holidays. It is important to try to keep your daily routines in tact as much as possible. For example, if you eat breakfast at the table each morning, try to do that most days.

Holidays can be a time where lots of accidents can occur. From tripping over toys, presents, furniture being rearranged, to pulling down the tree, lots can happen unexpectedly. Making a trip to the doctor or worse to the ER is not on your holiday agenda! So, be aware of how to prevent mishaps prior to the accident happening.