EPS 16: Parenting with Presence to Transform Your Child's Development

This week on the Soul Thrive Podcast, we dive deep into the world of childhood development with pediatric physiotherapist Diana. With over a decade of experience, Diana has dedicated her career to supporting children with a wide range of skills, abilities, and struggles.
🧠 Key Insights:
The Parent-Child Connection: We explore how a child's physical development-like reaching motor milestones-and emotional health are deeply intertwined. For instance, a baby’s ability to roll, crawl, or walk isn’t just about movement; these milestones are also linked to emotional regulation and cognitive development. Diana explains how parents’ own emotional states, like stress or calmness, can significantly influence their child’s progress. When parents are calm and regulated, it creates a safe space for children to explore, learn, and develop both physically and emotionally.
Nervous System Regulation: Did you know that a parent’s nervous system can directly impact their child’s well-being? When parents experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a fight-or-flight response in their babies, affecting everything from their mood to their digestion. Diana shares practical tips on how parents can regulate their own nervous systems to create a calm, supportive environment for their children.
Fight or Flight Response: When a child feels stressed or overwhelmed, their body reacts just as an adult's would-by going into fight-or-flight mode. This can lead to physical issues like constipation or urinary incontinence. We discuss how understanding this connection can help parents address these challenges effectively.
Play is Powerful: Play isn’t just fun-it’s essential! Diana highlights how play-based activities not only support motor skills but also help regulate a child’s emotions, making it a critical component of healthy development. Giving your child presence and meeting them at their current stage of development is key, instead of rushing their milestones or comparing them to other children.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how you can support your child’s milestones and help them thrive in every aspect of their life.
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