Parenting during stressful times (3)

TIP 3.

TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT WHAT YOU SEE DO NOT TRY TO ARGUE OR REASON YOUR CHILD OUT OF A BEHAVIOR DURING TIMES OF STRESS

The reptilian brain is not able  to be reasoned with  when  a stress reaction is in full activation.  Infact,  as you have probably noticed, if you do try to reason it is perceived by your child as trying ‘to control ‘ and aggravates more of a power struggle.  What to do?

Each time you ‘lose your mind’ in a stressful interaction with your child, is an opportunity to practice coming home to yourself, your body and regulating that emotional reaction in yourself, so that new wiring in your brain can occur. Bringing your awareness to the rhythm of your breath (autonomic nervous system) and to your body movements/sensations – walking around or just noticing the in and out flow of breath are simple examples of this.  What is the main trigger for you when your child is acting out? How to do you manage your emotions and stress reaction to your child’s behavior so that you can return to equilibrium quickly)