Why This Matters for Parents of Toddlers
Toddlers are growing fast. They are:
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Curious and active
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Learning language
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Testing limits
They feel frustration, excitement, fear, and joy — sometimes all in the same minute! They don’t have the skills to calm themselves yet. They need co-regulation: your calm presence, gentle guidance, and simple strategies.
When you co-regulate with your toddler, you are helping them learn how to:
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Understand their feelings
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Feel safe
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Try again after something hard
These are early building blocks for self-regulation in later childhood.
What Co-Regulation Looks Like at Home
Co-regulation in toddlerhood is active, playful, and connected.
It can look like:
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Going for a slow walk when they are overstimulated
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Offering a calm snack or drink
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Using a soothing voice
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Sitting close during a meltdown
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Singing a familiar song
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Giving choices instead of commands
Some toddlers still like cuddles. Others calm through movement: running, jumping, bouncing. Your job is to help them notice what helps their bodies settle.
The OT Toolbox — “What Is Co-Regulation?” (2023).
https://www.theottoolbox.com/co-regulation/