I don’t know about you, but in this day and age of constant stress, time constraints, and the pressure to have it all together, it can be difficult for us as adults to manage our emotions consistently.
Now imagine how children must feel. They are experiencing the same world as you are and are also observing you, their parent, and how you navigate it. It makes sense, therefore, that they might become overwhelmed, considering they do not have the emotional intelligence or comprehension that comes with age and experience.
When your child experiences emotional dysregulation, it can significantly impact their day-to-day life, relationships, and overall well-being. However, by recognising the signs and understanding how to approach this issue, you are empowered to help your child overcome this challenge and thrive.
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation refers to the difficulty in managing and responding to emotional experiences in an appropriate and controlled manner. Children with emotional dysregulation often experience intense emotions that can lead to frequent mood swings, impulsive reactions, and trouble calming down once upset.
You can appreciate why understanding the signs and knowing how to help your child can drastically improve their well-being and the balance or harmony of your entire household.
Signs to Identify Emotional Dysregulation in Children
1. Frequent Emotional Outbursts: Sudden and intense reactions to seemingly minor incidents.
2. Difficulty Calming Down: Struggling to soothe themselves after being upset.
3. Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood that seem disproportionate to the situation.
4. Impulsive Behaviours: Acting without thinking, often leading to negative consequences.
5. Overreaction to Criticism: Extreme sensitivity to feedback or perceived slights.
6. Persistent Sadness or Irritability: Long-lasting feelings of sadness or anger without clear reasons.
7. Problems in School: Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or interacting appropriately with peers.
8. Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach-aches, or other complaints that have no medical cause.
9. Withdrawal from Social Interactions: Avoiding friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed.
10. Difficulty Sleeping: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to emotional turmoil.
Latest Findings and Approaches
Recent research has indicated that emotional dysregulation is extremely common in children with ADHD, indication as many as half of those diagnosed are affected. Emotional dysregulation often leads to depression, anxiety (already a prolific issue with children), and explosive outbursts. And it is no wonder considering that they are often expected to self sooth or self-regulate without the knowledge or understanding of what they are feeling.
Imaging that you are hired to develop and oversee a space mission with NASA and yet you have a 10th grade education, and your work experience extends to flipping burgers at McDonalds.
What’s more, traditional ADHD treatments such as Ritalin have been shown to be ineffective in addressing these emotional challenges.
Treatment options that have shown promising results include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), parent management training, and psychoeducational programs. These approaches can help your children develop better emotional regulation strategies, reduce impulsivity, and improve overall emotional growth and stability.
How to Approach Emotional Dysregulation
1. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge your child’s emotions without judgment. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset or frustrated.
2. Teach Coping Skills: Introduce techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to help manage emotions.
3. Consistent Routines: Establishing a predictable daily routine can provide a sense of security and stability.
4. Seek Professional Help: Consulting a therapist can provide your child with the tools they need to manage their emotions effectively.
5. Use Technology: Apps like Sleeptime Therapy® offer guided relaxation and emotional regulation techniques designed specifically for children, helping them learn to manage their emotions through bedtime stories and activations.
Sleeptime Therapy® and Emotional Dysregulation
Sleeptime Therapy® can be a powerfully beneficial tool to use alongside other therapies when working with your child. The development of a consistent bedtime routine centred around empowering and positive stories, followed by activations built on a foundation of positive affirmations, CBT, and hypnotherapy, can make a significant difference. The audio recordings also include soothing music and frequencies designed to relax and guide your child into a state of rest and rejuvenation.
Sleeptime Therapy® has proven to be an effective adjunct tool alongside other therapies, as well as being beneficial as a stand-alone therapy. Included in your Sleeptime Therapy® subscription is a library of bonus activations for parents to use, extending the benefits of your subscription to the whole family.
Help your child achieve emotional balance with Sleeptime Therapy®. Download the app today and discover how our tailored bedtime stories and guided relaxations can make a difference in your child’s life.