The foundation of self-regulation happens primarily in the first five years of life.  When a child experiences challenges or frustrations, we see this as an opportunity to help the student learn. The most powerful way we can help children learn self-regulation is by modeling and scaffolding it during ordinary activities. At Abintra, the Early Childhood program promotes self-regulation through providing choice and the opportunity to make decisions.  As children grow and learn, they internalize one behavior, then they move to learn self-regulation in a new area, always building on the self-regulation skills they began in infancy. As an infant, a child learns to self-soothe after basic needs are met. Toddlers learn to feed themselves. Young children learn to pour, cut, take turns, and interact with peers.  Regardless of the area of learning, we want the children to have the message that, even if something is difficult, they can complete it with concentrated effort. ...