Regulation Starts with Us! Co-Regulation for Parents & Kids

When our kids are melting down, it can feel impossible to stay calm — but that's exactly when they need our calm the most. In this episode of Unrattled, we sit down with licensed therapist Lauren Poiroux-Harvey from The Sommer House in Mobile to explore the life-changing power of co-regulation — the process of calming our children by calming ourselves. Lauren breaks down what co-regulation really means, why it's essential for healthy brain development, and how parents can begin practicing it (even when they feel completely tapped out). We get real about the hard moments — tantrums in public, multiple kids melting down at once, and what to do when you lose your cool — and offer practical tools you can use right away to create connection instead of chaos. If you've ever wondered how to guide your child through big feelings without losing yourself in the process, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and equipped with tools to bring more calm into your home. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Co-regulation is the foundation of self-regulation — children first learn to calm down by borrowing our calm. Our nervous system matters — kids pick up on our stress just as much as our calm. It's not about being perfect — we all lose our cool sometimes; what matters is repair and reconnection afterward. Staying calm is a skill we can practice — simple grounding strategies (breathing, pausing, lowering our voice) help us regulate in tough moments. Big feelings are opportunities, not threats — co-regulation turns tantrums and meltdowns into teachable moments for connection. Safe exploration of emotions builds resilience — when children see us manage stress, they learn how to manage their own. Small steps add up — even choosing one calming practice to try this week can shift the atmosphere at home or in the classroom.