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MOE - Nurturing Early Learners Portal
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  2. Values, Social and Emotional Competencies and Learning Dispositions
  3. Social and Emotional Competencies
  4. Competency 2: Develop self-management and regulation

Competency 2: Develop self-management and regulation

Self-management and regulation is one of the 5 social and emotional competencies which contribute to children’s personal and social well-being.

Last updated 5 June 2025

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What is self-management and regulation?
Why is self-management and regulation important?
How might children demonstrate self-management and regulation?
How can you do it?
Related resources

What is self-management and regulation?

Self-management and regulation skills involve the ability to identify and label emotions and thus, understand, explain and manage emotions. 

The NEL Framework lists the following knowledge, skills and dispositions as part of Competency 2: Develop self-management and regulation.

Competency 2: Develop Self-management and Regulation

2.1 Identify emotions in themselves and others

2.2 Express and respond to own feelings and emotions appropriately


2.2.1 Develop an awareness that their emotions and behaviours can have both positive and negative effects on themselves and others


2.2.2 Recognise the need to control impulsive behaviours and words


2.2.3 Use basic strategies to manage emotions and behaviours

Why is self-management and regulation important?

Self-management and regulation enable children to manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviours, achieve personal well-being, demonstrate pro-social behaviours and choose to be their best selves.

How might children demonstrate self-management and regulation?

Here are some examples of how children might demonstrate self-management and regulation through their actions, speech and behaviour:

  • Talking about their feelings and explaining why they feel that way

  • Expressing their feelings in appropriate ways

  • Practising self-calming techniques independently 

  • Recognising their friend’s feelings

How can you do it?

Try the following strategies to help children develop their self-management and regulation skills.

Slides on developting children's self-management and self-regulation skills with image of children playing charades

Read on!

Related resources