The brain consists of two hemispheres, the left and right. Some specific mental processes and behaviours are controlled by different sides of your brain. The left brain is considered to be more adept at tasks that are logical and rational, it focuses on facts and solutions. The right brain is the creative side and where you get your emotional connections to people.

“When we’re having a hard time, people either go to the logical side or they get all this emotion. Being aware of which side you go to is really good. It’s not bad that you can match the emotions with your child, because what you need to do to help your child regulate their own emotions, you need to be able to connect with them.”

Children can’t do any sort of problem-solving while their brain is on an emotional rollercoaster. So, you need to let them know that you understand them, then redirect them to their left brain. “I understand how you’re feeling about this, but what do we do about it now?” 

Listen to Susan Woodworth’s full chat with Bec and Asa.