"Left + right = clarity and understanding: Help your kids use both the logical left brain and the emotional right brain as a team."

Connect and redirect.When a child is upset, first connect with their emotional right brain through empathy and physical comfort. Once they''ve calmed down, engage their logical left brain to problem-solve or teach a lesson. This approach helps children integrate both hemispheres, leading to better emotional regulation and decision-making.

Name it to tame it.Encourage children to tell stories about their experiences, especially difficult ones. This process engages both the emotional right brain and the analytical left brain, helping kids make sense of their feelings and gain control over their reactions. For younger children, parents can lead the storytelling, while older kids can be encouraged to narrate their own experiences.