How It Started…How it’s Going!

This week, a family that I work with showed me how they are using co-regulation with their son as he draws. It is a great illustration of how to use co-regulation to help a child experience autonomy!

Over the past few months, Luis has become very interested in drawing pictures of Thomas the Tank Engine and other trains. Initially, the pictures he wanted to draw were not something he could do on his own. So – his mother used co-regulation to partner with him in this process.

She created competent, contingent roles of “outline-er” and “color-er”: She outlined the picture for him, and he colored it in. As they repeated this process with different Thomas pictures over time, Luis mastered coloring and spontaneously began adding his own variations! For example, he changed the color of the smokestack on one picture, added a second shade of green to the grass on another, and added clouds to the sky on a third. It was exciting for his parents to watch him explore and experiment in this way!

And there’s more … After many opportunities engaging in this pattern, and observing his mother draw the outline, Luis began to draw the outline on his own. And now, he has moved onto more complex pictures.

As you give co-regulation a try with your child, keep Luis and his mother in mind: Upon discovering a routine that Luis loved, his mother thoughtfully created a positive learning experience for him. They worked authentically as a team and she provided space for him to practice, observe, be competent, explore, experiment, and ultimately, challenge himself in new ways, as he was ready.

It may seem simple on the surface, but co-regulation lays the groundwork for a lifelong enjoyment of learning. And that … is everything! 

Have a great week!