Some tell-tale signs of greater dysregulation may include abrupt oscillations between sadness and joy, a sudden change in mood or emotionality, and an amplified inclination towards impulsive behavior.
Every parent has experienced this trying situation: their young one suddenly breaks down in tears while attempting to manage a simple chore. Whether it’s dinner time or making an important call, errands have never been so difficult! At times, handing a cranky preschooler a digital device appears to be an easy fix. However, recent research indicated that this seemingly calming approach could be associated with more serious behavioral problems down the line.
A study conducted by Michigan Medicine and published in JAMA Pediatrics concluded that utilizing digital devices such as smartphones and tablets to console distressed children between the ages of 3-5 was linked with heightened emotional dysfunction, especially among boys.
According to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Jenny Radesky, relying on mobile devices as a way to calm down young children might appear like a harmless, temporary solution for stress in the home environment; however, it could have dire consequences if used frequently.
Especially during the formative years, the excessive use of digital devices may affect your kid’s ability to create healthy self-regulation skills without outside help. From August 2018 to January 2020, a research study involving 422 sets of parents and children aged 3-5 years was conducted -prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For a period of six months, researchers examined the responses of parents and caregivers concerning their use of devices as calming tools, in addition to any associations between these strategies and symptoms associated with emotional reactivity or dysregulation. Warning signs of dysregulation may include a rapid fluctuation between sadness and elation, abrupt changes in feelings or emotions, as well as a heightened impulsive nature.
The results demonstrate a strong link between device-calming and emotional outcomes, particularly among young boys and children who are prone to hyperactivity, impulsiveness, or intense reactions toward emotions such as fury, disappointment, or sorrow. According to the research done by Radesky, it appears that soothing children with technological devices may be particularly detrimental for those who battle emotional regulation skills.
She states that preschool to kindergarten is a stage of immense development for children when they may display difficult behaviors such as tantrums, defiance, and heightened emotions. It’s no wonder why parents often resort to devices in an attempt to manage this tough period. According to Radesky, caregivers may find solace in devices that help minimize negative and problematic behaviors among children quickly and efficiently. This symbiosis of mutual benefit is a powerful motivation that drives parents and children alike to continue this cycle.
As their reliance on technology increases, children and parents become increasingly less likely to practice alternative methods of managing stress. This is a dangerous cycle – the more devices are used as a crutch for difficult behavior, the stronger this habit becomes over time. By utilizing alternative methods to soothe and comfort, parents can assist their children in mastering emotion regulation. Jenny Radesky, a mother of two herself, recognizes that there are times when parents may rely on technology as a distraction tool for kids during travel or while multitasking with work-related tasks.
Though there are times when media can be an appropriate distraction for children, it should never become a go-to or regular form of comfort. According to her, pediatric health professionals should engage parents and caregivers in meaningful discussions about using devices with young children and promote alternative techniques for emotional regulation.
To help parents avoid using devices, Dr. Radesky suggests sensory techniques: children often have individual preferences for the type of sensory stimulation needed to de-stress. If your child starts to get restless, use their energy and enthusiasm by engaging them in physical activities or sensory-based approaches. This could involve swinging, embracing or applying pressure, bouncing on a trampoline, kneading putty in their hands, listening to music or reading a book, or watching sparkles inside a jar.
Identifying and acknowledging emotions: is a powerful way to build relationships with your children. By labeling what they are feeling, you demonstrate that you understand them while also helping them develop the language of emotion. When parents remain relaxed and in control, they notify children that it’s ok to communicate their feelings. This helps them learn how to effectively process and cope with emotions.
Use color zones: When kids are in the early stages of life, they struggle to comprehend abstract and complex ideas like feelings and emotions. For children, it’s often easier to comprehend a visual aid when trying to understand their emotions. Color zones (blue for bored, green for calm, yellow for anxious/agitated, red for explosive) can be used as an instructive guide kept on the refrigerator and help young ones form a mental image of how they feel internally.
Offer replacement behaviors: In those moments of difficulty, parents can use the color zones to remind their children what is expected (“you are entering into the yellow zone – how could you take action and get back to green?”). When children become distressed, they often exhibit undesirable behaviors – a natural impulse many of us want to end. It is essential to help kids learn alternative, more constructive behaviors which effectively communicate their emotions instead of resorting to potentially harmful habits. Rather than simply telling a child not to hit, teach them an alternative sensory strategy, such as using a pillow instead. Additionally, help children learn clearer communication skills by suggesting they tap your arm and politely ask for attention.
To protect against tech-related outbursts, parents should set timers, be explicit about where and when devices can be used, and leverage apps or video services with clear endpoints. Such endpoints don’t need just auto-play nor permit unrestricted scrolling.
When children are in a state of tranquility, caregivers can take advantage of this moment to instruct them on techniques for emotional regulation. For instance, they could explore the emotions their beloved stuffed animal may be experiencing and how it deals with its intense feelings before calming down. This light-hearted conversation speaks directly to kids through a language they understand and relate to.
According to Radesky, these solutions allow children not only to comprehend themselves better but also to gain the ability to control their emotions more effectively. By repeatedly providing a calm, supportive presence for the child and mirroring their emotions without becoming overwhelmed, caregivers can help cultivate emotional regulation skills that will be beneficial throughout life.
Unlike a mobile device, which merely acts as a distraction from challenging emotions and does not cultivate any skills, using strategies like mindfulness can help children learn to regulate their behavior. When children have not developed the necessary skills in their early years, they are much more likely to experience difficulties when faced with stressful situations, such as those encountered during school or social interactions later on.
