Every parent has lived through that moment when their child starts crying, yelling, or falling apart and something inside their own body reacts instantly. Maybe it feels like fear. Maybe it feels like anger. Maybe it feels like shame. Your heart speeds up. Your stomach drops. You snap or shut down before you have time to think.

That moment is not a parenting failure. It is a nervous system response.

In this episode of Raise Strong, you will learn why your child’s big emotions trigger something deep inside you and how to understand the signals your body is sending. When you can recognize what is happening in your nervous system, you can support yourself first and guide your child with calm, steady leadership.

✔️ Why your child’s emotions activate your own

✔️ How fear, anger, and shame show up in the body

✔️ The neuroscience behind emotional triggers

✔️ Why parents get overwhelmed: attachment history, sensory overload, fear of losing control

✔️ The Reset Method to calm your body during your child’s meltdown

✔️ How to stay connected when everything in you wants to shut down or react

✔️ The common mistakes almost every parent makes when triggered and what to do instead

✔️ A simple awareness practice that builds calm over time

Your nervous system scans for danger and activates fear, anger, or shame faster than conscious thought.

Fear prepares your body for protection.

Anger signals a crossed boundary or overwhelm.

Shame appears when you care deeply and feel unworthy or inadequate.

These emotions are invitations for support, not signs of failing.

Your child relies on your regulated presence.

When you pause and reset, you send a powerful message of safety.

Noticing your first reaction gives you space to choose a different response.

Notice the very first moment your body reacts to your child’s big feelings.

Pay attention to the sensation.

Name it quietly.

Then use one Reset Method tool to support your nervous system.

This small shift creates real change over time.

• 7 Simple Phrases to Help Your Child Calm Down Without Power Struggles - Download your FREE guide now! - AlexAndersonKahl.com/7-simple-phrases
• Visit Our Website - AlexAndersonKahl.com
• The Meltdown Map: 5 Steps to Handle your Child's Big Emotions - AlexAndersonKahl.com/meltdown-map

Raise Strong is a parenting podcast that blends psychology, compassion, and practical tools to help you build a calm, connected home. Each episode gives you clear, usable strategies that support both you and your child, because strong kids start with supported parents.