When the human brain is flooded with emotions, it takes energy away from the thinking, processing arenas and puts resources towards our survival instincts.
This is why they are not able to learn and understand our directions or insights when they are in the midst of strong emotions.
When kids are deep in feeling, focus only on soothing and receiving their emotional states.
Because they are learning whether or not they can rely on your support and whether or not their tender needs will be met with care.
Once you have co-regulated and they have taken a big shuddery breath (a sign that their nervous system is sending inhibitory neurochemicals), you can use language and logic to help them grow.
In the wise words of the late great developmental psychologist Dr. Karyn Purvis: "Connect before you correct".
Learn how to set compassionate limits with your child in a way that benefits their brain development and reduces reactive responses to emotions, with the timing varying depending on factors such as age, hunger, and consistency.
Learn how accepting your child for who they are can foster a secure attachment and inner confidence that helps them thrive in a world that may not always accept them, in this insightful video on nature, nurture, and parenting.
Learn how trusting younger generations to make the changes they see necessary can help make the world a better place in this thought-provoking video about the role of parents and the importance of allowing children to explore the world fully.