What is Co-Regulation? Co-Regulation is defined as a parent's support of their child's emotional development through motivational or emotional scaffolding, and using strategies to help their child regulate emotions (Gulsrud et al., 2010).
To put it in action, follow these action steps:
1) Calm The Environment
Use kind, gentle, calm words (i.e. "I see you're frustrated buddy. I'm here.")
Take a step back (i.e. take a break when you need to).
Belly breathing (i.e. watch your chest and belly - ideally your belly should rise for a count of 6)
Parenting takes a toll on anyone, but parenting a neurodivergent child often comes with a unique level of exhaustion, brain fog, and constant overfunctioning. The time, energy, and emotional labor required to support neurodivergent kids (including children with autism or ADHD) can lead to caregiver burnout, relationship tension, friendship strain, and ongoing work-life stress for parents.
Let’s take a deeper look at how therapy for parents of neurodivergent kids can help support your mental health and prevent burnout.
As a new year begins, your screen will likely be filled with posts telling you how to improve, transform, or completely overhaul your life. Before you get swept into all the noise, I want to offer a gentler, more grounded perspective on goal setting and how to create new meaningful habits within your family and personal life. We love to believe motivation is the secret to building new habits — but as a therapist, I can tell you this:
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but neurodivergent kids often face unique challenges during family gatherings. Changes in routine, sensory overload, and social expectations can leave children feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The good news? With parenting strategies for neurodivergent children, you can help your child manage emotional regulation, practice social skills, and enjoy family time more. Here are 5 tips to help make gatherings smoother and more enjoyable for your whole family.
These are therapist-approved favorites for kids, tweens/teens, and parents – things that can help with sensory needs, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and family bonding, while still being genuinely fun to open.