Emotional Self Regulation is the ability to recognize, communicate, and manage emotions and then consciously choose useful and appropriate actions during emotionally challenging situations. Self Regulation skills include:
Recognizing and naming emotions (demonstrating emotional self awareness)
Stopping the “ramping up” of emotions by getting oxygen to the brain
Thinking through the details of an emotional situation in order to make good decisions
Deciding on the best choice of action for the specific situation.
Recognizing and Naming Emotions: As preparation for self regulation skills, parents, teachers, and caregivers can model how to recognize and then communicate emotions using an emotional vocabulary. The article, "Child Anger and Frustration: How Self Awareness Can Help," gives suggestions. The ability of a child to name their emotions and communicate their needs and feelings is empowering.
Another great recourse for understanding emotion regulation and how to foster it is found here from the Child Mind Institiute.