Learn about the biological developmental stages your child’s emotion-processing centers go through during preadolescence and adolescence. Learn about the contributing factors to high emotional reactivity and what you can do right now to decrease the intensity.
Parents are understandably confused by their kids’ responses to strong emotions, which can often become self-destructive or avoidant. Learn how the developing brain responds to stress, and the mechanisms that different “coping” behaviors have on overwhelming emotions and how they often become habitual. With this information, you will be able to approach your child when they are overwhelmed in ways their brains can absorb.
It’s painful to watch your child struggle with intense emotions - what can you do to help them? Learn why your efforts to help can often backfire, and what to do differently.
You see that your child is suffering, but when you try to help things only get more explosive. You’re walking on eggshells, afraid that anything you say or do will only cause your kid to melt down again. Learn how what you’re saying is being heard in unintended ways, and what to say and do differently to teach your child better ways to cope with their emotions.
Learn specific skills and strategies to implement when your child is experiencing strong emotions. This is a guide for what to say and what not to say.
The technique of validation is a game changer for families! It is the most powerful tool we have to de-escalate intense emotions (theirs AND yours!) to make more effective decisions about how to cope.