You’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.”
But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body?
In this episode, I sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly) to uncover what’s really going on when kids have meltdowns, get overstimulated, or shut down. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being “bad” or “defiant.”
Laura explains how your child’s behavior is actually a message from their nervous system and why understanding this changes everything about the way you respond.
You’ll learn:
- Why meltdowns, shutdowns, and big reactions are signs of nervous-system overload
- How sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, movement) shape your child’s emotions and behavior
- The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and why that matters
- Why co-regulation starts with your calm nervous system
- The mindset shift that helps you see behavior through compassion instead of control
If you’ve ever wondered “Why does my child react this way — and why do I lose my cool, too?” this episode will open your eyes to what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Listen now and get ready to see your child’s behavior through a completely new lens.
Get Laura's Book: A Kids Book About Neurodiversity
Follow Laura on Instagram @theotbutterfly
Join our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/
Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast
Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges:
https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone
Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions
Email: info@curiousneuron.com
📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
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