Co-regulation

Co-regulation is when one person’s calm presence helps another person feel more settled. It’s a shared, often unspoken way that humans support each other emotionally.

It might look like:

• A parent holding a child who’s upset
• A friend sitting quietly with you during a hard moment
• A partner gently helping you slow your breathing
• A teacher offering steady reassurance during a meltdown

It’s not about giving advice or trying to “fix” anything. It’s about being present, consistent, and emotionally available — helping someone feel safe just by being there.

Co-regulation can be especially meaningful for neurodivergent people, who may feel emotions more intensely or find it harder to self-regulate in overwhelming situations. The presence of a calm, understanding person can act as a grounding anchor.

It’s also a two-way process. Everyone co-regulates at some point — it’s part of being human. Learning to notice and support each other in this way builds stronger, more understanding relationships.