Co-Regulation Handbook

Do you know a child who struggles to get started with things or who resists trying something new? Maybe they argue or have trouble joining other kids in conversation and play. Do you hear yourself prompting your child again and again? Do you feel frustrated or stuck, and long for a better way – a more positive way – to engage your child while guiding them toward independence? This book was written for parents, caregivers, professionals and more – to guide you on how to move away from prompting and prodding kids – and toward authentic connections and competent roles. You’ll learn how to create a positive learning environment for everyone, and feel empowered as you thoughtfully expand roles and responsibilities.

“In this book, Ms. Murphy explains co-regulation as a way of being with, doing together, and teaching children with learning challenges. Instead of the adult directing and prompting the child through endless steps of an activity, a common method that can quickly become frustrating for all involved, with a co-regulation approach, the adult sets up activities such that the child has a specific role, one in which they are competent, and through this role the child, from the start, successfully participates in the whole, meaningful activity, and–and perhaps most importantly–participates in harmony together with the adult. More learning comes through creating alterations to the child’s role (e.g., swapping roles), or adding complexity to the role or to the activity itself. In this way adults expand children’s competence through meaningful participation and from a place of harmonious interaction. Activities included as examples are as disparate as cooking, playing games, and playdates. As in her Declarative Language Handbook, Ms. Murphy presents complex material with clarity and compelling, illustrative examples. This book will be invaluable for parents as well as teachers, and therapists across disciplines.”

Karen Levine, Ph.D., Psychologist
Lecturer on Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School