Consistent parenting and guidance through infancy and early childhood helps children learn how to maintain an appropriate behavioral or emotional state—even in stressful situations.

This skill is called self-regulation. Soothing a hurt or frightened child helps them internalize that their needs will be met, and eventually children typically learn to sooth and calm themselves. Most children with secure attachments to a primary caregiver or parent master this skill as they grow.

 Unfortunately, some children who grow up in unpredictable environments may lack a close bond with a caregiver and have difficulty self-regulating. But there are many things adoptive or foster care parents can do at home to help children learn this important life skill.

In the photo, 3-year-old Maverick Koll, wearing his favorite “Wild Kratts” goggles and a dinosaur-themed outfit, grips the handlebars of his new tricycle in glee and excitement.

“Despite all that Maverick has been through in his short life, he has persevered and has always remained a strong-willed, loving and happy soul. This picture represents his strength in so many ways,” his mother, Niki Koll, wrote in a description of the photo. After being diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease, Maverick underwent a bone marrow transplant at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital when he was 2 years old. He spent seven weeks receiving care in the hospital.