RAISING EQ

EP. 20 The Power of Repair: What Children Really Need From Us


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Ruptures in connection with our kids are inevitable — we lose our patience, misunderstand their needs, or get caught up in our own stress. But according to leading psychologists, what matters most is not avoiding these ruptures, but repairing them.

In this episode, Dr. Holly Symons takes you inside the science and practice of repair from the lens of emotional intelligence and attachment theory. We’ll unpack insights from Dr. Dan Siegel, who emphasizes the mantra “repair, repair, repair,” and explore Ed Tronick’s groundbreaking Still Face Experiment, which vividly demonstrates both the fragility and resilience of early relational bonds.

You’ll learn why consistent repair strengthens secure attachment, how it lays the foundation for emotional intelligence, and the practical steps parents can take to reconnect meaningfully after moments of disconnection. Rather than striving for perfection, this conversation reminds us that the real growth happens in the repair, where children learn empathy, regulation, and trust.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about human connection, this episode offers both scientific grounding and practical wisdom for building healthier, more resilient relationships with children.

The Whole Brain Child By Dr. Dan Siegel

You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.

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RAISING EQBy Dr. Holly Symons