Co-Regulation Leads to Communication

The baby’s signals expand to gestures and eye contact, communicating, “I know what you are thinking and we’re both thinking the same thing”. Once babies figure this out they start practicing with everyone by flirting and seeking engagement with anyone who will respond. Through this process the baby gains confidence in this 2-way communication long before language develops. With this foundational milestone the baby learns that they have feelings about things and begin to understand that there is a way to communicate their needs. Eventually leading to the knowledge that they can take action about it.

Even as children grow up, mother/caregiver is still an important co-regulator of their emotions. A 3 year old and even a preschooler will rely on a co-regulator to help them communicate, negotiate feelings and interpret complex or abstract feelings and ideas. Ultimately, with consistent, contingent interactions a child can learn to self regulate leading to self control and use of executive functioning. This is a lifelong process as we continue to use co-regulation throughout our lives.

<<Back to Page 6 Page 7 Continue to page 8>>