Can your child's emotional meltdowns actually be opportunities for powerful connection and growth?

In this insightful episode, Dr. Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang join Rebecca to discuss their upcoming book, "The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8." They share practical strategies for helping children manage their emotions while strengthening the parent-child connection. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal parenting experiences, they offer compassionate advice for parents feeling overwhelmed by their children's big emotions and provide actionable tools that families can use immediately.

Key Takeaways:

→ Co-regulation is foundational to self-regulation: Children learn to manage their emotions through their parents' calm, supportive presence during moments of distress, starting from infancy.

→ Parents must regulate themselves first: To help children with emotional regulation, parents need strategies to stay calm during challenging moments. Setting this foundation consistently over time is more effective than quick fixes.

→ The 5-8 age group is uniquely challenging: These children appear more capable but still lack problem-solving skills and emotional perspective, creating a gap between expectations and abilities.

→ Playfulness is powerful: Even just 5 minutes of play builds connection, which motivates children to maintain or return to regulated states when emotions run high.

→ Repair is essential: When parents make mistakes (we all do!), acknowledging them and discussing them later creates valuable learning opportunities and models healthy emotional management.

Quotes from the Guests:

"Any parent is capable of this. If you're worried about doing this right, you're already in a good place because it means you're thinking about it. You care about supporting your child." - Dr. Kahlila Robinson

"Children five to eight, they're pretty young still, and they really need their parents. It's very important that the parents have a certain comfort and mindset around helping their children regulate." - Sarah Gerstenzang

The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8 Available April 15, 2025 on Amazon and select bookstores Publisher: Ulysses Press

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