Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children TPP 305: Stuart Shanker on What Self-Regulation Is, Why It Matters, and How to Help Our Children (and Ourselves) Do It Better
4 snips
Oct 4, 2022 In this engaging conversation, Dr. Stuart Shanker, a distinguished research professor and founder of The MEHRIT Centre, dives into the intricacies of self-regulation. He discusses the alarming rise in stress-related issues and how our understanding of stress can help children thrive. Shanker reveals five essential steps for self-regulation, highlights the power of touch in calming stress responses, and distinguishes between stress behavior and misbehavior. His insights provide hope for transforming children’s lives through neuroscience-based strategies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Biology Behind Stress And Soothing
- Self-regulation is rooted in biological mechanisms that control stress and restoration through neurochemicals like cortisol and oxytocin.
- Depriving kids of social soothing (touch, gentle voice) prevents oxytocin release and keeps stress elevated.
Reduce Stress To Restore Connection
- When a child avoids interaction due to stress, reduce the stresses so they naturally want to engage rather than punish avoidance.
- Encourage safe, gentle physical contact and soothing voice to help them seek caregivers when overwhelmed.
Regulate Yourself Before You Intervene
- Adults must regulate themselves first because children pick up nonverbal cues, not words, when stressed.
- Ground yourself (soft eyes, calm voice) to 'leak' calm and help the child down-regulate.
