ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how self-regulation develops, with an emphasis on the role of parents and family members as well as educators. It extends that conversation and share ways that people can engage families in supporting children's self-regulation growth and development. Parents who develop secure attachment relationships with their children, demonstrate an authoritative parenting style, model strong self-regulation skills, and actively teach these skills to children optimize children's self-regulation development. Numerous theoretical perspectives highlight the important role that families play in children's self-regulation development. Preschool is the first classroom environments that most children experience, so for many families, preschool is their first opportunity to be engaged in their child's learning outside of the home. The chapter discusses there are many benefits to family engagement, but there are also many barriers that might impact a family's ability to be involved. Promoting family engagement in children's early learning can support children's self-regulation development as well as many other social and academic outcomes.
