70 What’s Your Child’s Stress Type? Dolphin, Shark, Clownfish, or Turtle

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.comJoin Our Mailing List: 📬  https://andiclark.com/mailing-list-signup/ Book a Call: 📞 https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacallJoin Our FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/kidswithbigemotions In This Episode We Will Dive into:In this episode, we explore the concept of your child's stress type using animal analogies: Dolphin, Shark, Clownfish, and Turtle. These analogies help us understand and communicate stress levels without getting bogged down in scientific jargon. This approach has been eye-opening for me, and I hope it will resonate with you as well.Animal Stress TypesDolphin:Characteristics: Playful, socially engaged, able to communicate effectively, and rational problem-solvers.State: Regulated, able to handle slight stress while maintaining control (ventral vagal state).Shark:Characteristics: Constantly on alert, ready to attack, surveying surroundings for potential threats.State: Fight or flight (sympathetic state), often displayed through frustration, yelling, hitting, or other aggressive behaviors.Clownfish (Marlin from Finding Nemo):Characteristics: Anxious, struggles with change, stays close to safety, skittish in new situations.State: Anxious side of fight or flight (sympathetic state), displaying overwhelmed and skittish behaviors.Turtle:Characteristics: Withdrawn, slows down, retreats into shell, avoids communication.State: Freeze (dorsal vagal state), often seen as quiet and disengaged, but actually a stress response.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Stress Types: Recognizing your child's stress type can provide valuable insights into their behavior and help tailor your responses.Observation: Begin by observing your child and others around you. Identify how often they are in each animal state.Parental Insight: Reflect on your own stress responses and how they interact with your child’s states.Action StepsStart Observing: Note your child’s behaviors and categorize them as Dolphin, Shark, Clownfish, or Turtle.Book a Call: Schedule a 30-minute call with me to discuss your child's stress state and receive personalized support.Join the Community: Join our free Facebook group to connect with other parents and share experiences about managing children with big emotions.