The traffic light of anger: emotional self-regulation technique

The anger traffic light is a tool for children, usually between 4-10 years old, used to help them manage their emotions; Children at these ages already identify basic emotions, but have difficulty regulating them properly. The anger traffic light consists of applying the operation of the traditional traffic light to teach the child to manage their emotionsmainly the negative ones.

It should be noted that children perfectly understand how the traffic light that we usually find on the street works, which is why the simile of the traffic light and its colors are used. Red indicates that you cannot pass and we have to stop, yellow indicates that we need to wait and green means that you can now pass.

If we transfer the colors of the traffic light and what they represent to an attack of anger or a tantrum, Children can learn to manage their emotions as if it were a game.

In this sense, the following question may arise: how can I get the child to learn to relate the traffic light with their responses to their emotions? In order to be able apply the traffic light of anger It is necessary for children to associate the colors of the traffic light with emotions and their behavior. In these lines we explain what the function of each color consists of and its response.

emotional self-regulation

Why is it so important for children to self-regulate their emotions? Laura Girl, psychologist and coach, emphasizes the need to teach children emotional control and promote self-knowledge of their own emotions and how they react to them. Likewise, it is necessary for them to learn that their reactions can vary depending on their mood, so that they can choose the appropriate reaction for each situation.

Similarly, Ángela Cuervo, child psychologist, in her doctoral thesis on sadness, depression and self-regulation strategies in children, emphasizes the relevance of emotional self-regulation in the little ones. Thus, We highlight the use of this technique to teach the little ones to control their emotions through the colors of the traffic light.

In turn, a team from the department of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University in the United States highlights the importance of self-control and emotional self-regulation in the evolutionary development of people, since, according to the statistics presented in the study, Lack of this skill can lead to health problems in the future.. Hence, it becomes essential to teach children to self-regulate their own emotions and their responses to them.

The colors of the traffic light of anger

Red color

STOP, calm down. When we cannot control an emotion, specifically anger and rage, we have to stop just like we stop at a traffic light when the red light is on. If anger overwhelms us, it is time to stop, to meditate on what is happening to us.

Yellow color

THINK, reflect about the problem and what we are feeling “How do I feel right now?”, “Am I angry?”, “Do I feel sad?” Next, the child is invited to reflect on the possible response alternatives and their consequences in that situation. What is the most appropriate answer for me, what is the solution that brings me the most benefits?

Green color

ACT, solve the problem. Once the response alternatives have been analyzed, choose the answer option that best suits you and carry it out to resolve the situation you find yourself in. To increase the child’s positive response, it is relevant to reinforce each positive behavior that she performs, following the theory of skinner Regarding reinforcement in learning, positive reinforcement makes the child feel that his or her effort is valued and perceived, and encourages him or her to continue maintaining those behavioral patterns.

In summary, as we have indicated in this article, it is essential for the education of the little ones to take into account the self-regulation of emotions, their way of dealing with emotions such as anger, fear, frustration. Given the importance of acquiring this skill, we highlight the traffic light of anger, a simple, useful and practical tool to encourage our little ones to learn to manage your own emotions.

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