'Co-Regulation is the Root of
Social and Emotional Development'
Our social and emotional well-being is fostered and nurtured in the context of trusting relationships. Like the roots of a tree, for us to thrive, this is where growth begins and where it is critical to feel secure. My reflections on the 'starting place' for the learning I wanted to demonstrate in my e-portfolio were inspired by this quote by 13th century poet, Rumi (n.d.):
"Maybe you are searching among the branches for what only appears in the roots"
The way in which we interpret and respond to another's behaviors and needs can be a reflection of our own self-awareness and self-regulation abilities. I have chosen the imagery of roots to illustrate my capstone graduating e-portfolio metaphor, " Co-regulation is the root of social and emotional development".
Therefore before 'searching among the branches' by looking for programs, curriculum or interventions, when I in my role as an early childhood educator seek to understand or connect with another, I need to look below the surface and be inquisitive about the health and growing conditions of the foundations. I want to cultivate an instinct to protect and nurture the roots, both ours and our children's.
As the adults (parents, family members, caregivers and educators) with the most influential roles in a young person's life, only with secure, well rooted social and emotional abilities will we be able to co-regulate a child when they are dysregulated. Dr. Mona Delahooke (2019) helps us understand the concept of co-regulation as "attuning to and supporting another person through our presence", when we ourselves are in a regulated state (p. 125). Only from this safe, co-regulated place will we be able to begin fostering the growth of the child's own social and emotional competencies.
To unearth more about how to promote the social and emotional well-being of both children and adults, continue on to the Goals created for this graduating project.