Stop the Battles: How Your Nervous System Shapes Parenting (whether we like it or not)

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re joined by Dr Carrie Rigoni - a chiropractor who works with mums and children, to optimise their child’s brain development, and set them up for lifelong health. She loves talking about all things vagus nerve, and all the factors that can influence brain development and function. She has a busy practice in Perth WA and is passionate about optimising the vagus nerve, supporting mums through periods of dysregulation, and helping mums understand what they can do to support their child’s vagal tone too. As a busy mum of 3, she understands how hard the juggle can be! Together, we explore how understanding your nervous system (and your child’s) can completely shift the way you approach parenting. Dr Carrie explains the subconscious patterns we develop from birth, the power of the vagus nerve, why familiar feels safer than regulated, and how simple daily habits can help parents and children thrive emotionally and physically. Dr Carrie is passionate about using the online world to educate mothers on the power of the vagus nerve, and also offers group coaching, 1:1 online consultancy, and a membership all about nervous system regulation. What we cover: What the nervous system actually is – and how it affects your daily parenting Why 90% of our behaviours are subconscious and shaped in early life How the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in stress regulation The myth of “fixing” yourself with meditation or yoga Why control is often a sign of dysregulation Small, practical tools to build emotional resilience for you and your child The importance of pausing, co-regulation, and curiosity over reaction How each child has a unique nervous system and how to parent accordingly The truth about healing – it’s slow, individual, and deeply connected to your lived experiences Key message: You’re not failing — you’re likely just working with the nervous system you were wired with. With support, self-compassion and consistency, your window of tolerance can grow. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who might need a reminder that thriving starts with understanding ourselves. Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 56 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers