Anger, excitement, sadness, and frustration are all normal emotions in childhood. But school-aged children don’t instinctively know how to manage these big feelings. Emotion regulation—the ability to monitor, evaluate, and modify emotional reactions—is a crucial skill they must learn from the adults around them. As art therapists, caregivers, and educators, we play a critical role in this process. Below, we’ll explore what emotion regulation means, the role of parents in co-regulation, the benefits of emotional skills, what happens when parents themselves struggle with regulation, and how art therapy can be a powerful tool for emotional development.

What Does Emotion Regulation in Children Mean?

Emotion regulation in children refers to their ability to monitor, assess, and adapt their emotional responses to a given situation. It includes recognizing emotions, understanding their causes, and applying strategies to manage or express them appropriately. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), emotion regulation is not about suppressing emotions but about helping children experience and respond to them in socially appropriate and effective ways. Developing these skills is vital for academic learning, social engagement, and long-term mental well-being.

What Is Co-Regulation and How Can Parents Help Children?

Co-regulation is the supportive process where adults guide children through emotional experiences by modeling and scaffolding regulation strategies. For younger and school-aged children, co-regulation includes validating their feelings, using calm tones, offering reassurance, and modeling coping strategies. According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, parents who remain emotionally available and responsive help children build internal regulatory capacities over time. This means that children gradually learn to manage emotions on their own, using the behaviors they’ve seen in trusted adults.

What Are the Benefits of Developing Emotion Regulation Skills in Children?

Strong emotion regulation skills are associated with a range of positive outcomes. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) highlights that children who can regulate their emotions are more likely to perform better academically, form positive relationships, and demonstrate resilience in the face of stress. These children are also less likely to develop anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems. Emotion regulation contributes to problem-solving skills, impulse control, and the ability to navigate social situations successfully.

What Happens When Parents Don’t Have Emotion Regulation Skills?

When parents struggle to regulate their own emotions, it can negatively impact a child’s emotional development. Children learn by watching; if caregivers respond with high reactivity, withdrawal, or inconsistent behavior, children may internalize those patterns. The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that children exposed to chronic emotional dysregulation at home may experience increased stress, difficulty managing their own emotions, and greater risk of developing mental health challenges. It’s important for parents to seek support or therapy to build their own regulation skills—not just for themselves, but for their children’s wellbeing.

How Does Art Therapy Help Children Develop Emotion Regulation Skills?

Art therapy offers children a non-verbal, creative outlet to explore and process emotions that may be difficult to express through words. It supports emotional regulation by promoting self-awareness, reducing emotional reactivity, and enhancing coping skills. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), art therapy helps children externalize emotions safely, increases tolerance for frustration, and fosters emotional resilience. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, children practice calming their bodies and minds, improving their capacity to manage feelings constructively.

At Therapedia Centre, we believe that nurturing emotional skills in children isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our team of trained psychotherapists and art therapists in Toronto is here to guide children and families in building healthier emotional lives through creative and evidence-based approaches.

If you have questions about how art therapy can support your child, contact us today.