Social and Emotional Learning Strategies & Self-Regulation Skills 

Infants (0–2 years)

Goal: Build secure attachments, emotional awareness, and early self-soothing.

Strategies/Skills:

  1. Responsive Caregiving: Respond promptly to cries and cues to help infants feel safe and understood.

  2. Emotion Naming: Use simple language to label emotions (“You’re sad,” “You’re happy”) to build emotional awareness.

  3. Soothing Techniques: Rocking, gentle singing, or swaddling helps infants learn early self-regulation.

  4. Face-to-Face Interaction: Make eye contact, smile, and mimic their sounds to strengthen social connection.

  5. Predictable Routines: Consistent feeding, sleeping, and play schedules promote a sense of security.

Social and Emotional Learning Strategies & Self-Regulation Skills 

Early Childhood (3–8 years)

Goal: Develop empathy, cooperation, basic problem-solving, and self-control.

Strategies/Skills:

  1. Emotion Coaching: Guide children to identify feelings and discuss appropriate ways to express them.

  2. Model Self-Regulation: Demonstrate calm responses to frustration, showing coping strategies in action.

  3. Role-Playing & Social Stories: Practice sharing, taking turns, and handling conflicts through pretend play.

  4. Calm-Down Strategies: Teach deep breathing, counting, or taking a quiet break when emotions run high.

  5. Praise Positive Social Behavior: Reinforce acts of kindness, cooperation, or patience.

Social and Emotional Learning Strategies & Self-Regulation Skills 

Adolescence (12–18 years)

Goal: Support identity development, independent decision-making, and advanced emotional regulation.

Strategies/Skills:

  1. Open Communication: Encourage conversations about feelings, challenges, and peer relationships.

  2. Problem-Solving Support: Guide teens to evaluate options, anticipate consequences, and make responsible choices.

  3. Mindfulness & Stress Management: Introduce meditation, journaling, or physical activity to manage emotions.

  4. Encourage Empathy & Perspective-Taking: Discuss social issues, media, or peer experiences to build understanding.

  5. Respect Autonomy: Give teens opportunities to make decisions while providing guidance and support.