There’s a lot of talk about “self-regulation” these days, especially in the parenting world.
And with good reason!
But it’s a bit…jargony.
So it’s not surprising that there’s a lot of confusion and misperceptions about it.
That’s why I’m excited to share my simple visual framework with you at my upcoming free webinar, because so many of my clients love that it helps them (and their kids!) actually understand what’s happening in their nervous system, without shame, lectures, or confusing language.
In the meantime, I want to name (and dispel) some common myths about “self-regulation,” starting with a big one:
❌ MYTH #1:
To be “self-regulated,” you need to be “zen’d out,” without any pesky, prickly feelings bubbling up.
Nope nope nope.
(And if you’ve been trying to function that way, I’m willing to bet it’s been exhausting.)
Here’s the truth:
Feelings are HEALTHY!
Yes, all feelings.
Even the prickly ones.
Feelings are messages.
And “prickly” feelings are not only valid, but often really important and useful too.
When we try to quiet, mute, suppress, stuff down, dismiss, invalidate, ignore…(you get the picture)…those feelings messages, guess what happens?
They explode out another time and another way!
OR they implode within us, sucking us into a black hole of stuckness.
So, you CAN be “regulated” while still feeling – and expressing! – a very wide range of feelings.
Tune in tomorrow for Myth #2, and be sure to sign up for my free webinar for lots more insight and practical tips on emotion regulation.
👉 Subscribe to get weekly tips delivered right to your inbox. PLUS you’ll be the first to hear about new programs, blog posts, and podcast episodes. 💌
