How understanding our nervous systems changes the way we parent | Laura Petix

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I'm joined by occupational therapist and author Laura Petix to celebrate the launch of her new book, The Sensory Code. Laura shares the moment she took her own daughter to the ER because of daily meltdowns, and how that experience shaped her work with parents.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and why length and recovery time matter
• Why gentle parenting still matters even when it doesn't stop the meltdown
• The eight sensory systems, including interoception, and why hunger or worry can trigger a "zero to 100" reaction
• Laura's "zoom in, zoom out" tool for finding the patterns behind a behavior
• How to talk to your child about an ADHD diagnosis without making it feel like something is wrong
• Why a diagnosis explains behavior but doesn't excuse it
• How to help siblings feel seen, and my wish list for schools
• Why we need accommodations too, as parents

Resources:

• Get The Sensory Code: [Canada link] | [US link]
• Join our book club, where we'll be discussing Laura's book all week: [link]

Support the show

• Join the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-club

1. Watch my Tedx Talk on YouTube called The Over-Educated, Emotionally Underprepared Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYJFY_9K9E&t=19s

• Grab my course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/