What is Fawn? Fawn is a stress response that allows us to imitate a “safe and social” ventral vagal state, even when we are feeling threatened. It happens when it is either not possible, or it would increase danger to ourselves, to Fight or Flee (high sympathetic responses) from the perceived threat. It is also … Continue reading An exploration of the Fawn stress response
Self-regulation
It’s not (just) what we say, it’s how we say it (which is all about the nervous system)
I first came across Non-Violent Communication (NVC) in Marshall Rosenberg’s book that my then partner had picked up at the book shop. We were needing some support with our communication, and this one jumped out at him for some reason. Needless to say, it was too late for us. I kept the book when we … Continue reading It’s not (just) what we say, it’s how we say it (which is all about the nervous system)
New program coming soon: Rewire through Regulation and Repair
For some of us, the balance between the part of the brain that is responsible for considered behaviour (prefrontal cortex) and the emotional centre of our brain (amygdala) can be a bit "off", making us more likely to be hijacked by our autonomic nervous system going into "fight or flight". This can make parenting extra … Continue reading New program coming soon: Rewire through Regulation and Repair
Taking the time to grieve what we’ve lost
I’ve been feeling really tired the last few days. Even first thing in the morning, after a solid night’s sleep. I’ve been finding it hard to get motivated to do things, and just feeling like hunkering down with a book or film. And, I’ve been irritable. Lacking the patience with my son that I might … Continue reading Taking the time to grieve what we’ve lost
Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability
It’s tough right now. Even though my family has been impacted upon in less dramatic ways that many others, it has been a challenge adjusting to being in lockdown. We’ve had fewer pleasant diversions, such as going out, eating out, and seeing friends. And we’ve had more screen time. I found myself feeling really tired … Continue reading Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability
Resourcing ourselves as we listen to others
As I sit and listen to my husband expressing his fear and anger over the way the coronavirus is being handled, I keep "resourcing" myself. I'm stroking my gorgeous cat, who is sitting on my lap purring, and I'm tuning into the enjoyable sensations of his fur on my skin. This helps to keep me … Continue reading Resourcing ourselves as we listen to others
How singing can help us to feel calm and connect with our kids
Did you ever wonder why you feel so much better after belting out a few tunes in the car? Or singing along with the music in the supermarket? (Or, is that just me?) Singing is a form of controlled breathing due to the way it lengthens our exhalations (breath out). It slows down our breathing, … Continue reading How singing can help us to feel calm and connect with our kids
Stress-busting ideas to curb coronavirus stress
😰 Chronic stress occurs when our body detects a threat and doesn’t return to a sense of safety. 😰 It means our “Fight or Flight” response stays switched on. 😰 This results in our body being constantly flooded with stress hormones. 😰 Over the longer term, this can suppress our immune system. 😰 Which can result in us being more … Continue reading Stress-busting ideas to curb coronavirus stress
Are coronavirus fears leaking out in your parenting?
Driving home from the supermarket today, I noticed myself being a bit snappy with my son. It took me a second to realise that the shopping trip had left me a bit rattled. I noticed my breathing was shallow, my heart was beating faster, and I felt a bit tense around my shoulders. I’d gone … Continue reading Are coronavirus fears leaking out in your parenting?
Self-regulation is the single most important “parenting skill”
This, of course, can bring up a lot of questions!! 🤷♀️ What is this elusive “self-regulation”? 🤷♀️ What does it really look and feel like? 🤷♀️ How do I get me some of that? This is a topic that I am feeling excited to explore with you at the moment. I’ve been supporting parents for a number of … Continue reading Self-regulation is the single most important “parenting skill”
Here With You Parenting 