Understanding and supporting emotional regulation through observation and prevention
Core Idea: Tantrums and strong emotions are important developmental phases; the adult's role is to observe for patterns, prevent triggers when possible, and support the baby through emotional experiences.
Key Elements
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Observation Approach
- Practice objective observation to identify patterns and triggers
- Note specific factors: time, changes, activities, other children, emotions, environment
- Record adult responses and their effects
- Use observations to create preventative strategies
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Key Observation Categories
- Time: Does behavior occur before meals or when tired?
- Changes: Teething, new home, or other transitions
- Activity: What triggers the emotional response?
- Social context: How many children, what ages, what dynamics?
- Emotional expression: What emotions precede the behavior?
- Environment: Stimulation levels, space arrangement, sensory factors
- Adult response: How do caregivers typically react?
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Prevention Strategies
- Hunger: Offer hard foods like apple before mealtime
- Teething: Provide variety of cold teething toys
- Overstimulation: Reduce environmental stimulation
- Noise sensitivity: Remove baby from loud situations
- Personal space: Ensure adequate space and avoid cornering
- Transitions: Create predictable routines and sufficient warning
- Nervous system: Provide deep pressure, massage, or bear hugs
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Response Approach
- First: Allow space for feelings to be expressed
- Second: Help baby calm down
- Third: Help make amends if needed
- Throughout: Maintain connection without judgment
Connections
- Related Concepts: Positive Language with Babies (preventative communication), Supporting Struggling Babies (appropriate assistance)
- Broader Context: Emotional Development in Babies (developmental understanding)
- Applications: Creating a Calm-Down Space (practical implementation)
References
- Davies, S. (2021). The Montessori Baby.
#montessori #emotionalregulation #tantrums #observation
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