The Barking Dog: Our Emotional Brain

In this three-part series, Lauren talks about the parts of the brain that most relate to emotions and behavior: Prefrontal Cortex – Thinking Brain or “Wise Owl”Limbic System – Emotional Brain or “Barking Dog”Brainstem – Reptilian Brain or “Fight or Flight”This episode is about the Limbic System, often referred to as the Emotional Brain, Barking Dog, or Downstairs Brain. The Limbic System is located in the very center of your head. This part of your brain is the Emotional Control Center: the heart of emotions, memory formation, and survival. It acts much like a threat detection system…..like a dog that is barking. What happens if the Limbic System is “dysfunctional”? It can cause disorders like anxiety, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, autism, and memory issues. Lauren also discusses the effect of drugs, alcohol, chronic stress, and traumatic events on this part of the brain. She then explains how a child exposed to these same things in utero may have certain types of behavior issues. The Limbic System is often referred to as the “Barking Dog”. It’s the part of the brain that is meant to protect us. If a child is having a breakdown, it means their Barking Dog is barking. They are stuck in the Limbic System, and the emotional brain has taken over. It overrules the logic and reasoning part of the brain. The first step is to get the Barking Dog back to neutral. Then, the child can access logic, reason, and communication.The easiest way to calm the Limbic System is through movement, touch, and deep breathing. Model these things for the child. Why? We all have these lovely things called mirror neurons, which mirror what we see. So, if your child sees you doing deep breathing, they will try to mirror it. We discuss several ways to get back to neutral in ALL the Coping Strategies for Your Kiddos.Be sure to check out all the episodes in this short series, where Lauren continues the conversation about our amazing brain!Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode: How can we support classroom teachers in implementing SEL and trauma-informed practices?Try-at-home tip:  Try Qigong.Other resources from The Behavior Hub: Blog Post: Thinking Brain: The Wise Owl Emotional Brain: The Barking DogReptilian Brain: Better known as the BrainstemOur Online Courses: From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate (5 Needs Areas) Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode! Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children The Behavior Hub websiteThe Behavior Hub blogAre you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help! Schedule a free discovery call!