07/06/2025
When a child is distressed, how we respond matters deeply.
Do we co-regulate with them - offering presence, safety, and support?
Or do we control, punish, or silence -teaching them to hide their needs to avoid consequences?
â¤ď¸ Co-regulation isnât about âfixing behaviour.â
Itâs about showing up with compassion, helping a child feel safe enough to learn about their emotions and trust support.
đ Without this safety, children may learn to mask their distress, disconnect from their internal cues, and appear âcompliantâ while still struggling inside. Over time, the effort to hold everything in can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, shutdowns, or explosive outbursts - not because theyâve failed to cope, but because theyâve been coping alone for too long. đ