The Role of Mothers in Playing Games with their Children in the Early Intervention Stage and its Relationship to their Emotional Regulation

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the role of mothers in playing games with their children in the early intervention stage and to reveal its relationship to their emotional regulation. A survey sample was selected from the Early Intervention Center for Disabled Children in the State of Kuwait for the year 2024, numbering (34) and their children had Down syndrome. A scale was used to regulate emotions, and a scale was developed for playing games by mothers with their children in the early intervention stage. The psychometric properties of the two scales were verified in terms of validity and reliability. The results indicated a high level of playing games by mothers with their children in the early intervention stage, and an average level of emotional regulation among mothers with their children. The results also showed a statistically significant correlation between playing games and emotional regulation, and that both playing games and emotional regulation do not differ according to the mother's age and the severity of the child's disability. Based on the results, some recommendations were made, including Empowering the mother and building her capacity to facilitate the child’s learning and providing her with skills that help the child adapt in his daily life.