Steady the Storm with Co-Regulation

Parenting the Tough Stuff

Episode Description Today, we're exploring co-regulation—a powerful parenting tool that’s especially important for adoptive families. Co-regulation can make a world of difference, helping our children feel safe, grounded, and connected. Whether you’re new to this concept or looking for more practical ways to apply it, this episode will guide you through what co-regulation is, why it matters, and how you can start practicing it with your kids to strengthen your family bond.

Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction I start with a story from my own experience—an “aha” moment that made me realize the importance of staying regulated as a parent. It was a moment that got a bit, let’s say, intense, but it became a turning point for me in prioritizing co-regulation. This story sets the stage for the rest of the episode.

2. What is Co-Regulation? We break down what co-regulation really means and how it can provide our children with a sense of safety and emotional security, especially when they come from difficult or disrupted pasts.

3. The Science Behind Co-Regulation A little brain science! We dive into why our calm presence can have such a powerful effect on our children, helping them feel secure and connected.

4. The Challenge of Staying Regulated Kids, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, struggle to stay regulated. Here, we discuss why it’s so important for us to stay calm first, so they can feel our steady energy and co-regulate with us.

5. Four Key Lessons from Parenting Teens Over the years, I’ve learned four big lessons that help me show up for my teens and stay connected with them: - It’s Not About Me - They Don’t Need Me to Fix Things - Avoiding Minimizing Their Experience - They’re Learning Self-Regulation

6. Practical Strategies for Co-Regulation From sharing Spotify playlists to helping with chores, we cover everyday strategies for creating safe, connected moments with teens that allow them to co-regulate with us naturally.

7. Common Challenges in Co-Regulation It’s not always easy, and that’s okay! We discuss common roadblocks and how to extend grace to ourselves as we do our best, even when things get tough.

8. Conclusion A reminder that every small effort matters and that our work as adoptive parents to create a safe and supportive space truly makes a difference.

If today’s episode resonates with you, I’d love to offer a bit more support. I’m currently offering a free consult call where we can talk about what’s happening in your family and find ways to strengthen your parenting approach. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or just looking for extra guidance, let’s connect. Here's the link to schedule your free consult —just click and pick a time that works best for you!

https://calendly.com/wendyleejohnson/free-consult

Thank you for joining me today! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other adoptive parents who might find it helpful. We’re all in this together.