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Nurture and Thrive

Nurture and Thrive

Raising Children With Big Hearts and Strong Minds

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    • The Science of Calm
      • Regulation & Routines
    • Connection and Cooperation
    • The Developing Brain
      • Babyhood: Early Foundations
      • Toddlerhood: Mastery & Autonomy
      • School-Age: Logic & Regulation
      • Anxious & Sensitive Child
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  • Free Parenting Series ♥︎
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  • The Science of Calm
    • Regulation & Routines
  • Connection and Cooperation
  • The Developing Brain
    • The Anxious & Sensitive Child
    • The Spirited & Strong-Willed
    • Babyhood: Early Foundations
    • Toddlerhood: Mastery & Autonomy
    • School-Age: Logic & Regulation
Mom hugging toddler on a hiking trail with the sunset in the background.

The Science of Calm

All behavior is communication.

When children melt down, shut down, or spin out — the root isn’t willfulness or a bad attitude. It’s biology. The part of the brain that helps regulate big feelings is literally still under construction. When we respond rather than react, we help build those connections so they can internalize how to handle big feelings. This is the Science of Calm — and it starts with us.

Through co-regulation, routine, sensory experiences, and the safety of a calm parent, you strengthen your child’s nervous system from the outside in — until they can do it from the inside out.

Here you’ll find the science behind why your child feels so much, and the practical tools to help them find their way back to calm.

how to be a calm parent

Five Steps to Calm and Centered Even When Your Child is Out of Control

Inside: 5 Steps to master your own emotions and know your triggers so you can be a calmer parent– even when your child is not calm! Let’s face it — when it comes to the child-parent …

Read moreFive Steps to Calm and Centered Even When Your Child is Out of Control

The C.A.L.M. Method to Handle Toddler Tantrums: Be an Emotion Coach For Your Child

We feel uncomfortable with big displays of emotions because we have been taught that emotions need to be “controlled.”⁠ ⁠ But what if the tantrums and meltdowns we see in our kids are them trying to …

Read moreThe C.A.L.M. Method to Handle Toddler Tantrums: Be an Emotion Coach For Your Child

What to Do After Yelling at Your Child: 7 Healing Phrases and How to Repair

Read moreWhat to Do After Yelling at Your Child: 7 Healing Phrases and How to Repair

Why You Yell and How to Break the Cycle: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

Read moreWhy You Yell and How to Break the Cycle: 10 Strategies That Actually Work
Feelings wheel for kids with a child's hand spinning the arrow.

Printable Feelings Wheel for Kids to Support Their Emotional Development

Read morePrintable Feelings Wheel for Kids to Support Their Emotional Development

The Definitive Guide to Understanding and Handling Tantrums and Meltdowns

Read moreThe Definitive Guide to Understanding and Handling Tantrums and Meltdowns

How to Start a Daily Routine for Kids That Actually SticksHow and Why to Start a Daily Routine for Your Kids

Read moreHow to Start a Daily Routine for Kids That Actually SticksHow and Why to Start a Daily Routine for Your Kids
calm down space for kids

How to Create a Dream Calm-Down Corner in Your Home (and Your Heart!)

Read moreHow to Create a Dream Calm-Down Corner in Your Home (and Your Heart!)

The C.A.L.M. Method to Handle Toddler Tantrums: Be an Emotion Coach For Your Child

Read moreThe C.A.L.M. Method to Handle Toddler Tantrums: Be an Emotion Coach For Your Child
52 Sensory Play-Based Brain Breaks for Kids: Reset and Re-Center 1

52 Sensory Play-Based Brain Breaks for Kids: Reset and Re-Center

Read more52 Sensory Play-Based Brain Breaks for Kids: Reset and Re-Center

Is Your Child Having a Hard Time Falling Asleep? Five Ways to Reset Bedtime

Read moreIs Your Child Having a Hard Time Falling Asleep? Five Ways to Reset Bedtime

The Scientific Benefits of Daily Quiet Time for Kids

Read moreThe Scientific Benefits of Daily Quiet Time for Kids

The Best Bedtime Routine For Your Child According to Science: Plus Solutions for Nightime Anxiety

Read moreThe Best Bedtime Routine For Your Child According to Science: Plus Solutions for Nightime Anxiety
Help Your Kid Wake Up Happy 5

How To Help Your Kid Wake Up Happy

Read moreHow To Help Your Kid Wake Up Happy
Mindful Parenting

Respond, Don’t React: How Having a Child Changes Your Brain and Why Mindful Parenting Comes Naturally

Read moreRespond, Don’t React: How Having a Child Changes Your Brain and Why Mindful Parenting Comes Naturally
teach your child self-regulation

The Most Important Life Skill to Teach Children: Self-Regulation

Read moreThe Most Important Life Skill to Teach Children: Self-Regulation
how to be a calm parent

Five Steps to Calm and Centered Even When Your Child is Out of Control

Read moreFive Steps to Calm and Centered Even When Your Child is Out of Control

Recent Posts

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Time-out vs. Time-In: Is There a Better Way? Why You Need the Flexibility of a Feeling-Break 1
Feelings wheel for kids with a child's hand spinning the arrow.
Two year old child blows candle

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