Advice for helping 4yo emotional regulation

[TheKookySquid]

Hello,
I'm just looking for similar experiences or advice. Our nearly 4 year old gets easily overwhelmed in social situations with peers. She plays well and pre- school with various friends but when with me or my partner she gets easily upset (crying/shouting) about sharing toys or our attention or play equipment in the park. We talk a lot about sharing at home, and she demonstrates sharing with her dolls and with us. She loves imaginative independent play and plays very happily at home. Soon we go away to stay in the same holiday home with friends and their child (same age) and I'm trying to think of what tools/ways I can help her regulate her emotions.

Does she have pre-overwhelmed signs you can look out for? I've found it's easier to use calming or distraction techniques before it gets too much. Also known as a green amber red parenting framework if you want to look it up.

I see that you talk a lot about sharing, she might be a little too young to translate this in the heat of the moment though.

Have a google of shared activities for 4 year olds. Mine particularly liked board games like Shopping List by Orvhard Games.

As for regulation, does she have plenty of active time walking, using the equipment at the playground etc?

You could try introducing guided meditation and a weighted blanket.

As the PP said is also look out for triggers. The biggest with my DD were needing a wee or being hungry.

https://www.incredibleyears.com/blog/emotional-regulation?hs_amp=true

i think this says everything I would.

Four year olds need help through co-regulation, scaffolding and positive attention.

That is such a good article @FurForksSake

Rather than talk about ‘sharing’ her toys, would it help to talk about ‘taking turns’?

If you share sweets or a cake, you don’t get them/it back. If you take turns, you know that you’ll get it back.