Breaking Free: Healing After Fight or Flight

EP:111 My children should not grow up without their father. I should not have to raise my children without their father. No family should lose a loved one due to mental health. But here I am, and so many others. This world is spinning out of control, and our brains can't keep up. There's so much pressure to do more, be more, and it's crushing so many. I support parents day in and day out. If you're struggling, please don't wait. If you're lonely, please don't wait. Never hesitate to reach out if you are finding yourself in this situation, there are hotlines that you can call. You can go to the hospital and as a friend and as a supporter, and anyone who is supporting someone who is in this state, it is okay to get yourself support. It is okay to take care of yourself, and it is also okay to do what you can to support them, but also release that outcome, which is, again, a really hard one to hear. I hope you can share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

EP:110 On this episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I discuss what it's like to come out of a prolonged "fight or flight" mode, sharing my personal experiences of exhaustion and the emotional lows that follow. It feels like coming down from a marathon—completely draining but necessary for healing.It is so important to rest and take care of yourself , even when it feels unproductive. This is a reminder that healing takes time, and it's crucial to be patient and gentle and kind to yourself during this recalibration of the nervous system.

EP:109 Is it possible for movement to release emotions? YES. YES. YES. It's a vital and one of the most crucial pieces to mental health, sensory regulation, emotional regulation and your nervous system regulation. The ability to utilize movement for regulation is like a triangle.   I believe that we all need movement. We all need someone to talk to, which is another edge of the triangle.   Then regulation is the third. And having that triangle of all those different pieces truly builds you into a individual who can have the ability to regulate their nervous system. Are you always going to be regulated? No, but the ability to learn how to throttle between the gas and the brake, and being able to understand what is required of you or necessary. That is, that's the secret sauce. That's the juice. That is the magic pill.

What does it mean to truly regulate internally? ✅ It means you understand your brain and body. ✅ You understand what your body physically needs, what it dislikes, what it likes. ✅ You know what self care will really support you. ✅ You understand if you’re an introvert versus an extrovert. I want you to check in with yourself to see if you are externally emotionally regulating yourself or are you internally emotionally regulating yourself… AND what are the steps you can take to shift that? Deep dive into WHY.. 👉 Why do I feel this way? 👉 What do I need? 👉 What do I want relationships in my life to look like? 👉 Is this something that I can give to myself? 👉 Does this feel scary? 👉 Am I capable of giving this to myself? Go down that rabbit hole and explore all those different things. Because what’s waiting for you on the other side is freedom. Freedom from resentment and anger. Freedom from holding permission in everyone else’s hands for your happiness and your mental health. Freedom from needing to feel worthy from others, and most importantly, regulating through someone else and other things externally. Internal vs external regulation unpacked on this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast. XOXO, Dr. B #thrive #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode #internalregulation #emotionalhealth #emotionalregulation #sensoryoverload #overstimulatedmind #copingskills #podcast #podcastshow #podcastepisode #sensoryregulation #sensoryintegration #sensory #emotionalwellbeing #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters

EP:107 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast we are going to talk about the importance of setting boundaries and enforcing natural consequences for children without resorting to anger or resentment.    We must set consistent, firm boundaries and natural consequences, such as chores or writing lines, to teach our children respect and responsibility.    You get to decide what behaviors are and aren't acceptable in your home, and enforce boundaries for unacceptable behaviors. You must claim the driver's seat in your home.    I encourage you to parent the child in front of you, not the child you fear they will become. Don’t let fear hold you back.    If you hold boundaries, if you give them natural consequences, what they are going to do is actually build a stronger relationship, trusting dynamic with you, a greater bond of respect with you. And I guarantee you, they will be happier humans, because you've made a very structured life, and they know what's expected of them. And we're going to continue down that path.   We are their teacher, and it is okay to teach. You got this.    XOXO, Dr. B   #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #podcast #newepisode #parenting #adulthood #sensoryregulation

In this week's Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I dive deep into the importance of setting boundaries with kids with caution against doing it in a mean or angry way.   I share my views on ADHD, and argue that the diagnostic system is too focused on labeling people with "disorders" rather than embracing the diversity of human experiences. I also emphasize the need for better education about how the brain functions, as many ADHD symptoms are common experiences that people may think are "normal."   I also discuss the concept of being a "sensory seeker" and how it relates to ADHD-like symptoms, encouraging everyone to embrace their power and brilliance while learning to manage their intense experiences.   Check out this episode to learn more about this thought-provoking perspective!   #thrivelikeaparent #throvelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode #consciousparenting #gentleparenting #neurosensory #neurosensoryparenting #sensoryregulation #emotionalregulation #selfregulation #parenting #parenthood #podcastformoms #toppodcast

New episode on Thrive Like a Parent Podcast. Trust me you don’t want to miss this one. XOXO, Dr. B #thrivelikeaparent #throvelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode #consciousparenting #gentleparenting #neurosensory #neurosensoryparenting #sensoryregulation #emotionalregulation #selfregulation #parenting #parenthood #podcastformoms #toppodcast

On this week's episode of the Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I dive into the challenges and rewards of raising strong-willed children, especially when it comes to their sensory and emotional regulation. Storing willed kiddos often struggle with societal expectations, like sitting still or staying organized, because they’re trying to navigate their own unique needs.   I want to reassure you that while raising strong-willed children can be exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, it’s so important to trust your parenting instincts. Understanding the root of their behavior—whether it’s driven by sensory needs or emotional intensity—can make a big difference in guiding them effectively. I promise you can support your strong-willed child while still maintaining your own sanity.   I keep it real, the tough moments and the frustration that can come with them is 10000% there. But I also want to offer you hope and encouragement, reminding you that these traits often point to brilliance and resilience in your child. The key is finding the right balance between supporting their development and creating a harmonious household where everyone thrives.   #ParentingTips #StrongWilledChild #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingChallenges #RaisingKids #ChildDevelopment #ParentingAdvice #MindfulParenting #SensoryAwareness #EmotionalRegulation #MomLife #ParentingPodcast

EP:103 In this week’s Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I share my personal journey with setting boundaries and the importance of prioritizing your needs. I describe a time when I had zero boundaries, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms. But through self-reflection, I’ve learned to establish healthy boundaries and strategies to manage my daily life as a parent and caretaker. I also share about being honest and speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve found that being more authentic has allowed me to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I also discuss the importance of setting boundaries with children, and not being afraid to have difficult conversations. The goal is to help kids develop self-regulation and independence. Check out this inspiring episode on the transformative power of boundaries! XOXO, Dr. B #newepisode #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #hardconversations #settingboundaries #healthyboundaries #boundaries #emotionalregulation #podcast #podcastshow #podcastersofinstagram #vulnerabilityisstrength #couragetogrow #sensory #podcastformoms #podcastforwomen #podcastforparents #overstimulatedparent #overstimulatedmind

EP:102 Putting on your oxygen mask first… that’s you’ve heard over and over and over and over and over again. The problem that I’m finding is that just because we know that phrase doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m seeing that we’re doing it as parents, and when you don’t do it, what happens is you place yourself at the bottom of the totem pole. If you are currently ✅ Exhausted and depleted. ✅ You’re waking up in the morning saying, I can’t believe this is my life. I don’t know how I got to this place. ✅ You resent your partner. ✅ You are so frustrated and annoyed with your kids. ✅ You’re on antidepressants. ✅ You have high anxiety. ✅ You are unhappy. That probably means you are and that means that you’re probably dysregulated and miserable. There are so many of you that we work with who just that simple phrase, I matter. You don’t believe it. You don’t trust it. There are so many individuals who we work with who just have built their own worth within taking care of everyone else around them. I just want to remind you today, if you haven’t taken care of yourself in a while, to please do so if you need support, skip the vacation and pay for the support so that when you go on vacation, you’ll enjoy the damn vacation. Find someone who feels best and right for you to guide you through your own journey of life. And most importantly, stop wasting time, because time is the most valuable commodity you will ever have, and you can’t get it back. So this is your kick in the ass to start climbing that totem pole all the way up to the top, and take a breath once you’re up there and enjoy. For more on this topic - tune into the Thrive Like a Parent podcast. XOXO, Dr. B #podcast #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrivelikeaparent #newepisode #parenting #parenthood #podcastformoms #podcastfordads #selfcare #selfcareformoms #selfcareforwomen #selfcareforparents #settingboundaries #youmatter #youmattertoo #sensoryregulation #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealth #joyinparenting #emotionalregulation #thrive #selfregulation