Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron Why understanding your nervous system helps you with your emotions
You’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.”
But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body?
In this episode, I sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly) to uncover what’s really going on when kids have meltdowns, get overstimulated, or shut down. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being “bad” or “defiant.”
Laura explains how your child’s behavior is actually a message from their nervous system and why understanding this changes everything about the way you respond.
You’ll learn:
- Why meltdowns, shutdowns, and big reactions are signs of nervous-system overload
- How sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, movement) shape your child’s emotions and behavior
- The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and why that matters
- Why co-regulation starts with your calm nervous system
- The mindset shift that helps you see behavior through compassion instead of control
If you’ve ever wondered “Why does my child react this way — and why do I lose my cool, too?” this episode will open your eyes to what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Listen now and get ready to see your child’s behavior through a completely new lens.
Get Laura's Book: A Kids Book About Neurodiversity
Follow Laura on Instagram @theotbutterfly
Do you find yourself reacting in ways you wish you could change when your child is upset? Learn how to stay calm, manage your emotions, and respond in a way that actually helps your child.
Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):
https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s
Or purchase our course, join the next 8 week group cohort in April 2026 below: