CYKE Kids
Land of CYKE

Let your kids explore the Land of CYKE. They can play online games at Castle Fairhope, read stories at Pelican Point, or take a ride on the E. Motion Express.

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CYKE Today

A recent report indicated that early detection and intervention can lead to more positive results with a child that may have autism.

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CYKE MD Blog

Dr. Vincent Ho, a child and adult psychiatrist, writes about the problems all families face. A father of three, he knows it’s more than “by the book.”

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CYKE Forum

Visit the CYKE Forum and find out how other people have approached different problems. You’re not alone, hear what others have to say.

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CYKE Newsletter

Don’t miss an issue of the CYKE Newsletter. Keep up to date on the newest information available at CYKE and receive helpful suggestions.

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CYKE Shop

Many CYKE resources address different emotional problems throughout the life of your child. From anger problems to alcohol abuse prevention, check the CYKE Shop.

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Emotions Emotions Picture

Emotional Regulation
One way to think of emotional regulation is as if a person had an emotional thermostat. It's almost as if our emotions have a certain set point and we all seem to be set at a different level. If we were air condition units, some of us might be set at 70, some at 74, and some at 78. We're all different so it only makes sense that our set points would be at different.

To continue the analogy, for an air conditioner, many factors add up before the temperature goes above a critical level. Is it 100 degrees outside? Are there 20 people in the house? How much insulation is there in the walls? Are all the doors and windows open? An air conditioner thermostat adds all of these things together and it goes off when it goes over the limit.

Your child's emotional thermostat operates in a similar manner, many factors add up before his stress rises above a critical level. What's happening at school? Are Mom and Dad fighting? How are his friends treating him? What ways do he know to cope with this stress? If too many stressors are around, they overwhelm the emotional set point and your child's emotions ignite.

The example can apply to any emotion. Anger, sadness, or anxiety. Once the number of stressors go over that level, anger explodes to rage, sadness falls into tears, anxiety spirals into panice.

Biologically, where our thermostats are initially set can be inherited from our parents. Our temperment, naturally shy or outgoing can come from our parents. Look and see, what parts of your child's personality comes from their father, what part from their mother?

Working to keep your child at an even emotional balance is a main goal for parents. Different coping skills are important to lighten the load or relieve stress. Physical exercise adn good nutrition can effect a child's internal state. At times, medication might be needed to help raise the biologic thermostat to a higher level.

Get a sense for your child's thermostat. They all have one. Learn to recognize when stresses are starting to overwhelm that level. It's a natural occurence, be prepared for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About CYKE

What does "C-Y-K-E" stand for?

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CYKE Videos

See how the E. Motion Express helps the Monkey King control his anger in this 3-D animated video clip.

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CYKE Reviews

Read our E. Motion review of the “Lion King” to find out how you can use this movie to talk about loss and sadness with your child.

CYKE Reviews Link
My CYKE

Keep your own personal list of articles that you find most important. Join our CYKE Circle of premium members. Members receive discounts on products and services.

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CYKE Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with the “Terrible Two’s” or “Teen Years” learn to pick and choose your battles.

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CYKE Favorites

Take a look at some of the books, TV shows, and movies that we have found useful and fun for children.

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