Raising Boys & Girls Ep 273: Building Bravery with Lucy, the Havanese
May 15, 2025
Discover how to nurture bravery in children from a young age! The hosts delve into the emotional power of therapy dogs, sharing heartwarming stories that highlight their impact on mental health. Learn practical strategies like creating a courage ladder and using 'brave beads' to celebrate milestones. The discussions also address anxiety in kids, with tips for managing fear through breathing techniques. Plus, the role of beloved pets in building trust, resilience, and coping skills is beautifully explored.
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Origin of Therapy Dogs at Daystar
- Sissy Goff shared the story of getting therapy dogs started at Daystar with Noel, a comforting Maltese puppy given to her sister.
- Noel helped a sad teenager during a consultation, prompting daily visits and expanding the therapy dog program to seven dogs.
Fear Hijacks Brain Function
- Fear hijacks the rational prefrontal cortex by shrinking its blood vessels and activating the amygdala.
- The amygdala enlarges with repeated triggers, exaggerating fears and making small problems seem bigger.
Use Square Breathing to Calm
- Teach children early breathing techniques like square breathing to calm their brains and manage anxiety.
- Helping kids regulate emotions early can shrink the amygdala and improve resilience over time.
