06/19/2026
Building Self-Regulation Skills at Home
According to the Fall 2025 VKRP Snapshot, 16% of Virginia kindergarteners entered school below the benchmark in self-regulation skills, skills that help children manage emotions, follow directions, and stay focused.
Families can support these skills through simple, playful routines at home.
Practice “Pause & Breathe” Moments
Teach your child to stop, take a deep breath, and count to three when they feel frustrated. Try using the Turtle Technique to practice calming strategies.
Play Games That Build Focus
Games like Simon Says, Red Light/Green Light, and Freeze Dance help strengthen attention and flexible thinking.
Use Simple Routines
Predictable routines help children manage transitions and reduce stress.
Try Problem-Solving Talk
When something is tricky, ask:
“What’s the problem?”
“What can we try?”
This helps children pause, think, and choose a strategy.
Encourage Independent Play
Short periods of independent play help build persistence and confidence.
Small, consistent support at home can make a significant difference in school and life.
Find more family-friendly learning ideas at: eceresourcehub.org
