Co-Regulation: Building strong, supportive relationships

One of our amazing instructors, Kelsey, Co-regulating with a student.

Written By: Christine Ireland

Coregulation is the process of managing emotions through connection with others. It’s most visible between parents and children—when a caregiver stays calm during a child’s meltdown, they help the child learn to self-soothe. Before we learn to manage our emotions on our own (self-regulation), we learn how to do it with others—that’s coregulation. It’s the process of calming, supporting, and guiding someone through big emotions by being a steady, empathetic presence.

Think of a parent soothing a crying baby, a teacher gently helping an overwhelmed student, or a friend simply sitting with you when you’re upset. These moments build emotional safety and resilience.

Coregulation isn’t about fixing feelings—it’s about showing up calmly and consistently so others can find their balance. It’s especially crucial for kids, whose brains are still developing the tools for self-control.

In a stressed-out world, your calm can help someone else find theirs. That’s the quiet power of connection—and it starts with presence!