Holiday Meltdowns: Bad Behavior or Sensory Overload? (Vagus Nerve Secrets) | Ep. 351

Is your child "acting out" and ruining the holiday magic, or are they actually in a state of biological shock? In Episode 351 of the Prime Podcast, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie Wies tackle the skyrocketing rates of childhood anxiety and stress during the holiday season.

Parents often mistake sensory overload for bad behavior. We dive deep into the science of the Vagus Nerve (which is 80% sensory!) and explain why loud relatives, bright lights, and sugary treats can cause a child's nervous system to shut down. Learn why handing an overwhelmed kid an iPad might be the worst thing you can do, and discover practical strategies like "Front-Loading" and "The Fort Method" to help your family survive the holidays without the screaming matches.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The "Bad Behavior" Myth: Why tantrums at parties are often signs of a dysregulated nervous system, not disobedience.

• Vagus Nerve 101: Understanding why your child's brain gets "energy vampired" by loud crowds.

• The "Front-Loading" Technique: How to stop anxiety before you leave the house by using photos and clear expectations.

• The Screen Trap: Why blue light and fast-paced games make meltdowns worse (and what to do instead).

• Old School Solutions: Why puzzles, blocks, and "heavy work" regulate a child's brain better than any gadget.

• The "No Agenda" Day: The most valuable gift you can give your family to reset cortisol levels.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro: Why holiday stress is hitting kids harder than ever

• 01:30 - Is there a chiropractor for "de-stressing"? (The Nervous System link)

• 05:30 - The Vagus Nerve Revealed: It's 80% Sensory!

• 08:40 - Triggers: How "Energy Vampires" and loud relatives affect kids

• 10:50 - "The Fort" Strategy: Building a safe space for sensory breaks

• 12:40 - Front-Loading: Using photos to prep your child for social events

• 15:00 - Why screens are a "quick fix" that causes long-term crashes

• 19:00 - The power of a "No Agenda" day for family healing

Struggling with Sensory Overload? If your child can't sleep on their tummy or hates having their neck touched, it might be a sign of deeper nervous system tension. Reach out to us to find a pediatric chiropractor near you.

#HolidayStress #ParentingTips #SensoryProcessing #VagusNerve #ChildhoodAnxiety #ADHD #GentleParenting #NervousSystemRegulation #DrSkipWies #PrimePodcast #FamilyWellness #Overstimulation #ScreenTime

👩‍⚕️ Meet Your Hosts Dr. Julie Wyss, DC – Pediatric & Pregnancy Chiropractor Dr. Skip Wyss, DC – Pediatric & Family Chiropractor, host of The Prime Podcast

🔗 Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.primefamilycenters.com 📸 Instagram: @primefamilycenters @drjuliewyss @skip_wyss_dc @primepediatrics 📘 Facebook: Prime Family Centers | Dr Julie Wyss | The Bow Tie Doctor 📺 YouTube: @PrimeFamilyChiropracticCenters

🌱 Take the Next Step in Your Family's Health! 📌 Order Your Standard Process Supplements Here: 👉 https://primefamilycenters.standardprocess.com

📌 Download Our App for Easy Scheduling & Resources! 📲 Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prime-family-chiropractic-app/id6474149243 📲 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ub378e75245a.app&pcampaignid=web_share

📌 Book a Consultation with Dr. Skip or Dr. Julie: 🌐 https://primefamilycenters.com/book-services/