16: The Science Behind Why Smart, Capable Adults Still Act Like Children Sometimes

In this episode of (re)Parenting Radio, Lisa unpacks a human experience every adult has but few truly understand: emotional regression — the moment when something small hits something old, and your body reacts like you’re 8 instead of the adult you are today.We often call it being triggered, but Lisa explains what’s really happening inside the nervous system when a younger part takes the wheel because authenticity feels unsafe.You’ll learn:• What emotional regression actually is Not immaturity — a survival program that once protected you.• Why it happens with some people but not others You can handle rejection at work but spiral at home because attachment, not stress, activates old wounds.• How to recognize when your inner child is leading Oversized reactions, losing your words, shame spikes, black-and-white thinking, or replaying the moment endlessly.• Why parents and partners get triggered the most Your nervous system stored emotional memories long before you had language, logic, or a prefrontal cortex.• The 5 steps to bring your adult self back onlineAwarenessAttunementSafetyReassigning leadershipAdult re-expression These steps form the foundation of the (re)Parenting Method℠.When you stop regressing and start reparenting, everything shifts.You communicate with clarity, stop personalizing others’ emotions, break old relational patterns, and finally respond from who you are, not who you had to be.Emotional regression doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means you’re human. And reparenting is how you become the leader of your inner world again.If this episode resonated and you want support integrating this work, you can reach Lisa at [email protected] us Fan MailSupport the showCONNECT WITH LISA WATSONYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reparent-yourselfTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reparent.yourselfWebsite: lisa-watson.comLinkedIn: watsonlisakInstagram: @reparentyourselfFREE RESOURCES1.  Newsletterhttps://app.kit.com/creator_profile2. For Founders & LeadersBefore You Scale: The 6 Emotional Patterns Every Founder Must (re)Wire https://reparent-yourself.kit.com/before-you-scale3. For EveryoneQuick Start Guide — (re)Parenting Yourself https://reparent-yourself.kit.com/lt-qs-rpy4. For Parents & CaregiversQuick Start Guide — Conscious Parenting https://reparent-yourself.kit.com/lt-qs-cpLisa's Children's Book ...