Which action best demonstrates a child regulating their own emotions?

• A. Yells at another child to get attention.
• B. Comforts self by seeking out a teddy bear or a favorite adult.
• C. Ignores the feelings of others.
• D. Refuses to participate in activities.

Answer: (B)

Emotion regulation in children is the ability to calm down and manage feelings without always needing someone else to fix them. When a child comforts themselves by reaching for a teddy bear or seeking a favorite adult, they’re using a self-regulation strategy—self-soothing that helps bring their emotional state back to a calmer level.

This option is the best demonstration because it shows proactive management of arousal with a reachable coping tool, enabling the child to regain calm and continue with activities. Yelling to get attention is an outward, attention-seeking response rather than regulating internal emotions. Ignoring others’ feelings reflects a lack of emotional awareness and social regulation. Refusing to participate indicates withdrawal rather than working through the emotion.