Which behaviors are considered self-calming?

Self-calming behaviors are actions that help individuals manage their emotions and stress in a constructive way. The correct choice, which includes activities such as thumb sucking and sharing feelings, illustrates how children can soothe themselves and communicate their emotional states.

Thumb sucking is a well-known self-soothing mechanism among infants and toddlers, providing comfort during times of stress or anxiety. Sharing feelings represents an important developmental step where a child learns to express and articulate their emotions, which can reduce distress and enhance emotional regulation. This option highlights positive strategies that children can engage in to calm themselves effectively.

In contrast, the other options either depict behaviors that are not effective for self-calming or can even escalate emotional distress. For instance, playing aggressively with peers can lead to increased tension and conflict rather than promoting calmness. Ignoring emotions typically results in unresolved feelings that can manifest later, causing issues with emotional regulation. Having temper tantrums indicates an inability to manage emotions, resulting in an outburst rather than self-calming. Thus, focusing on healthy ways to cope, like those found in the correct choice, is essential for nurturing emotional development in young children.