Talking to Children about Violence

Talking to Children about Violence

Talking to children about violence Recently, I’m being asked more and more to consult with schools and child care providers about helping families have conversations about violence. At times like these, parents and caregivers are often at a loss. How much should...
The Ventral Vagal System

The Ventral Vagal System

The Ventral Vagal System In earlier posts, I talked about the systems for action and shutdown. But what’s at the top of the ladder, where we feel at ease and connected? The ventral vagal system is the social engagement system Enter the ventral vagus. It centers...
The Dorsal Vagal System

The Dorsal Vagal System

The Dorsal Vagal System In an earlier post, I talked about the sympathetic system that helps get you motivated to action. But what calms down that acceleration? The parasympathetic system, or “rest and digest” system, helps calm down respiration and heart...
The Sympathetic System

The Sympathetic System

The Sympathetic System: Moving into Action When I say the words “fight or flight,” how do you respond? Typically, people will do one of 3 things: cringe, feel a jolt of anxious energy, or feel their eyes gloss over (not this again!). The sympathetic...