Understanding and Supporting Emotionally Intense Children

Today, we're digging into the complex and often challenging world of parenting emotionally intense children. I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, Samantha Moe, a certified parent coach and speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Samantha's work is nothing short of amazing, providing invaluable support and guidance to parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children.

In this episode, Samantha sheds light on the intricacies of parenting emotionally intense children and shares practical strategies to help parents navigate this often overwhelming journey. From understanding the underlying reasons behind behavioral dysregulation to fostering a supportive home environment, Samantha offers actionable advice, including exercises and reflection questions, that will resonate with parents facing similar challenges. So, if you're a parent seeking support and guidance in raising emotionally intense children, you won't want to miss this conversation. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs and discover effective strategies to support them on their journey towards emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Show Notes:

• [2:41] - While there are a lot of resources out there to help parents and families, that doesn’t make it easy.
• [3:48] - Samantha shares a bit about her background and how she realized that she had not been prepared to help emotionally intense children.
• [5:24] - Oftentimes when parents see behavioral deregulation, they want to make it stop. But we have to understand why children are behaving this way.
• [6:59] - Samantha takes a look at the parent-child relationship from the parent’s side of things and the home environment. She demonstrates an exercise.
• [10:41] - We have mirror neurons that reflect the state another person is in. If a child is emotionally intense, we feel their stress.
• [12:16] - If you want to lower your child’s stress, you have to also lower the fight and flight in your own brain.
• [14:51] - If you can label a child’s emotion in the moment, it helps them feel seen and heard.
• [16:50] - There are variations in acknowledging an emotion based on the situation and the age of the child.
• [18:40] - Parents make mistakes, but there are some common mistakes with emotionally intense children. Samantha provides some reflection questions.
• [22:07] - Parents need to also practice changing their own behavior to help calm their children.
• [25:00] - Reflect back on your own upbringing. Were your emotions labeled and regulated?
• [27:10] - Emotional intensity is not exclusive to autistic children.
• [29:40] - Samantha describes the pillars she uses to teach and support parents.
• [31:41] - Parents need to feel supported. A parent’s mental health and well-being impact that of their children.

About Our Guest:

Certified parent coach and speaker Samantha Moe has coached parents on how to help their children calm, connect, and cooperate since 2004. She now provides continuing education, advanced training, and parent coach certification for family service professionals who support intense kids and their families. Samantha is the creator of the Mad to Glad Blueprint, a revolutionary brain-and-nervous-system-based approach to positive communication and parenting that soothes and even prevents intense kids’ most challenging behaviors. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota and has interdisciplinary training in sensory integration, play therapy, and emotional integration. 

Connect with Samantha Moe:

• Samantha Moe’s Website
• Email: hello@samanthamoe.com 

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent
• Episode 45: How Sensory Processing Impacts Communication with Jessie L. Ginsburg
• Episode 140: 10 Ways Parents Can Support Their Child’s Mental Health Over the Summer

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• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider
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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.