Parenting
Regulation – ups and downs part 3
Some children are both hyperaroused and dissociative depending on the situation. They may be activated by stressful life events and act out behaviorally. When the situation becomes too much they collapse into dissociation. This wide swing makes it extremely difficult for parents to follow. It seems as though they are on a wild ride over…
Read More6 Core strengths for healthy brain development
This week we will take the first 2 core strengths for healthy brain development which are attachment and self-regulation. Attachment is the capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It begins in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver. It is important because this strength is…
Read MoreRegulation rather than consequences
Parenting traumatized children requires regulation rather than consequences. Regulation is what these children missed as babies and toddlers. Healthy children had moments where loving parents picked them up and calmed them. The parent held them when they were angry or distressed. They calmly helped them handle a frustration. Neglected and abused children missed these experiences…
Read MoreAttachment Research concerning Cuddling
I just read an interesting article on attachment and the genetic effect on babies of cuddling. While we probably intuitively know that cuddling a baby is just good for everyone involved it was interesting to read what researchers are finding out about this. The article was titled “Epigenetic correlates of neonatal contact in humans”. I…
Read MoreChildren’s Stories
I just read an article about how stories can change how a child thinks. This process is called narrative psychology and most of the current research is focused on adult outcomes, the results are still compelling for children. If stories can change your child’s thoughts, memories and how they live their lives, wouldn’t it be…
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