THE “PSYCH” PART
Staying regulated
Making enough room to choose a response when our own feelings get loud.
What can get in the way
When our teen is upset, our own hurt, fear or protective response can join the conversation. We can start trying to end their feeling rather than hearing it.
What we’re practicing
Notice the early signs of getting worked up. Pause, breathe, or take a short break when it is safe to do so. Tell each other when we’ll return to the conversation. If we get loud or miss the mark, own it and try again.
Read the journal entry: Staying Regulated
Tools that help
Listen or Help? card
A small reminder to listen first instead of rushing into the next response.
Get the current weekly resourceFurther reading: CDC: Coaching teens to recognize and manage emotions.