Preschoolers are growing quickly in every way:
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Bigger vocabulary
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Stronger opinions
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More independence
But emotions can still overwhelm them.
They may:
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Cry when rules change
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Become frustrated when they can’t do something
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Get too excited or too tired
They know what they like — the long straw on their favorite cup, the squishy stuffed animal — even if they can’t explain why it feels good.
With your help, they can learn how to:
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Notice feelings
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Calm their bodies
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Try again
This is co-regulation: you support their feelings so eventually they can support themselves.
The OT Toolbox — “What Is Co-Regulation?” (2023).
https://www.theottoolbox.com/co-regulation/