Emotional regulation and self-esteem

Emotional regulation and self-esteem are important for primary age children's overall wellbeing and development. Emotional regulation refers to a child's ability to manage their emotions, while self-esteem is their sense of self-worth and self-value.

St Andrew’s School encourages the development of your student’s regulation each and every day with programs such as MindUP as well as daily interception practices in the Reception classrooms and daily mindfulness practices.

In Australia, there are various resources available for parents to help their primary aged children develop these skills.

1. Raising Children Network: This website provides a wealth of information for parents on various topics related to child development, including emotional regulation and self-esteem. It offers practical tips and strategies for helping children manage their emotions and build self-esteem, as well as information on common challenges and how to respond to them.
2. Be You: This is a national initiative aimed at promoting mental health and wellbeing in primary school children. It provides resources and support for schools, families, and communities, including information on emotional regulation and self-esteem.
3. Beyond Blue: This organisation provides information and support for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They have resources for parents on managing children's emotions and building self-esteem, including tips and strategies for dealing with common challenges.
4. The Resilience Project: This organisation delivers evidence-based programs to schools and communities, aimed at building resilience and emotional regulation in children. They offer workshops and training sessions for parents on how to support their children's mental health and wellbeing.
5. Headspace: This is Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, and they offer support, information, and resources on various mental health issues, including emotional regulation and self-esteem. They have a section on their website dedicated to parents and carers, with information and advice on how to support children's mental health.
6. The Smith Family: This is a national children's education charity that provides support and resources for disadvantaged children and their families. They offer a range of programs and services aimed at improving children's emotional regulation and self-esteem, including mentoring and educational support.

In addition to these resources, parents can also support their children's emotional regulation and self-esteem by:

• Encouraging them to express their feelings and emotions in a safe and healthy way
• Acknowledging their strengths and accomplishments
• Providing opportunities for them to build their skills and confidence
• Modelling positive self-talk and self-care
• Building a positive and supportive family environment
• Encouraging physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

By providing a supportive and nurturing environment and utilising the resources available, parents can play a crucial role in helping their primary age children develop strong emotional regulation and self-esteem.

Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you would like more information or support for your student in this area.

Kind regards

Donna Longden and Lizzie Mazur
Director of Wellbeing & Student Counsellor