The holidays & new year can be a time of emotional highs and lows, so today, we're diving into the topic of young ones grappling with "big feelings" - whether neurodiverse or neurotypical!

We kick things off by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the subtle signs that precede emotional outbursts—because there's usually a whole lot brewing before the storm hits. With a blend of our real-life moments and professional insights, we'll share our experiences as moms and clinicians dealing with emotional rollercoasters, whether it’s a joyous moment or a meltdown. We'll also highlight the need for parents and professionals to adopt a curious mindset, spotting those precursor behaviours, and using practical strategies to help kiddos navigate their emotions. If you’re a parent or working with young ones, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable tips to better support those wild emotional waves!

Timestamps:

(01:31) - Welcome

(04:39) - Inspiration For This Episode: Biting At Home

(11:43) - In The Moment Teaching

(23:38) - Strategies For Emotion Regulation

(34:45) - Understanding Big Feelings In Neurodivergent Learners

(57:22) - Coaching Strategies for Older Kids

(01:03:57) - Book: The Fantastic Elastic Brain

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak - This engaging picture book introduces children to the concept of neuroplasticity, explaining how the brain can grow and change through learning and experience. It's a great resource for fostering a growth mindset and helping kids understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.
2. I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO! by Julia Cook - A part of the "Best Me I Can Be!" series, this book helps children understand the importance of accepting "no" for an answer and the value of patience and respect. It's a great tool for teaching emotional regulation in situations where children might feel frustrated or upset.
3. Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook - This book addresses anxiety and worry in children, providing strategies for managing these emotions. It's particularly helpful for children who tend to overthink or become anxious in new or challenging situations.
4. I'm Stretched! by Julia Cook - This book discusses the feeling of being overwhelmed and provides strategies for managing stress and finding balance. It's a great resource for children who have difficulty handling multiple demands or transitions.
5. I Think I Think a Lot by Jessica Whipple (2023) - This picture book delves into the experience of overthinking, portraying it as a chaotic swirl of thoughts. It provides a metaphorical approach to understanding obsessive thoughts, making it accessible for children to grasp the concept of mental overload.
6. My Brain Is a Race Car by Nell Harris (2023) - Utilizing the metaphor of a race car, this book explains how the neurodivergent brain processes experiences differently. It offers self-regulation tools in a fun, rhyming format, aiming to open conversations about managing emotions and behaviours.
7. Flamingo Boy by Michael Morpurgo (2018) - Set during World War II, this novel follows Lorenzo, an autistic boy living on a farm...