I just finished reading Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself, and wow… it was a game-changer. One of those books I’ll definitely come back to, because there’s so much to unpack. But the biggest takeaway for me? The power of self-regulation.
When you’re overwhelmed—tired, touched out, or just running on fumes—it’s so easy to snap. We’ve all been there. That moment when something small pushes you over the edge because you’re already carrying so much. That’s why finding little pockets of peace throughout the day is so important. Whether it’s stepping into another room to take a breath, walking around the block, or repeating a calming phrase to yourself—it doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming. These little moments are how we reset, re-center, and regulate. They’re not selfish. They’re survival.
And right now, doesn’t the world just feel… a lot? The news, social media, the constant noise—we’re carrying more than our nervous systems were ever designed to handle. It’s like everything is dialed up and there’s no “off” switch. Which is exactly why self-regulation isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s a need. A tool we have to refine, practice, and pull out often. Because the chaos isn’t going anywhere, but how we navigate it? That’s within our control.
Because the truth is, how we respond to a situation either calms it… or escalates it.
And this isn’t just for parents. Whether you have kids or not, life constantly gives us chances to react—maybe it’s a text that hits the wrong nerve, a rude comment on social media (there are so many right now), or a snippy remark from your partner at the end of a long day. Those moments are invitations to pause and choose our response.
And if you are a parent, it’s even more layered. Because our calm influences theirs. How we respond becomes a model they’ll carry into their own lives. No pressure, right?
So the next time you feel your patience wearing thin, or your emotions bubbling up, try asking yourself: “Am I going to escalate, or am I going to regulate?”