EPS 125 - Big Emotions, Compassion and Physiological Flexibility with Brooke Barrett

In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Barrett, a BCBA, parent coach, and author of the The Oaklings.Brooke supports families in building emotional resilience by blending behavioral science, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and story-based learning. Together, we explore how parents can support children through big emotions without burning themselves out—and why so many loving, well-intentioned parents still feel overwhelmed.This conversation gently reframes parenting struggles, offering compassionate language, practical tools, and powerful reminders that emotional challenges are not personal failures, but part of the shared human experience.In this episode, we discuss: • Why parents often feel overwhelmed even when deeply connected to their children • How parents unintentionally teach emotional avoidance—and how to shift toward acceptance • The impact of everyday language on how children relate to thoughts and emotions • What happens when children fuse with thoughts like “I’m bad” or “I’m not good at this” • What psychological flexibility is and why it’s essential for family mental health • How children’s books can teach emotional resilience and life skills • How parents can break cycles of reactivity and respond with intention and compassionThis episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants to support children while also honoring their own emotional well-being.Listener ReflectionAs you listen, consider the language used in your home—how emotions are named, how challenges are framed, and how kindness is extended not just to children, but to yourself.Big emotions are not problems to fix. They are experiences to move through—together.Connect with Brooke: https://www.brookesusannebarrett.com