Whole-Brain Child Workbook

For example, do you ever hear yourself saying, “I can tell you’re really mad right now,” but you say it with tone of irritation or like a robot instead of warmth? Or have you caught yourself frowning, hands on hips, as you say, “I know you’re mad at me, but I told you to hurry three times!” Connection requires more than just kind words or an acknowledgement of an emotion.

Connect with the RightRedirect with the Left
Touch

Connect with the RightRedirect with the Left

Connect with the RightRedirect with the Left

Step 2: Redirect with the Left
Once you sense that your child’s brain has settled enough that it can handle a left-brain, logical approach, you can then redirect by problem-solving with your child or making suggestions on what he can do now that he’s feeling calmer and more in control of himself.
Connect with the Ri

Once you sense that your child’s brain has settled enough that it can handle a left-brain, logical approach, you can then redirect by problem-solving with your child or making suggestions on what he can do now that he’s feeling calmer and more in control of himself.

Step 2: Redirect with the Left

Step 1: Connect with the Right
When your child is upset, logic often won’t work until we’ve responded to the right brain’s emotional needs. Acknowledging feelings in a nonjudgmental way, using physical touch, empathetic facial expressions, and a nurturing tone of voice, are all ways you use your right brain to connect. By starting with this act of attunement, you allow your child to “feel felt” before you begin trying to solve problems or address the situation

integration.
Whole-Brain Strategy #1: Connect And Redirect

We’ve heard many parents tell us that our Connect and Redirect strategy works like magic when it comes to helping them achieve their survive goal of getting through a difficult moment, as well as their long-term thrive goal of helping their children become resilient, kind, respectful, and happy people.
You’ll remember that the Connect and Redirect strategy contains two steps:
Step 1: Connect with the Right
When your child is upset, logic often won’t work until we’ve responded to the right brain’s emotional needs. Acknowledging feelings in a nonjudgmental way, using physical touch, empathetic facial expressions, and a nurturing tone of voice, are all ways you use your right brain to connect. By starting with this act of attunement, you allow your child to “feel felt” before you begin trying to solve problems or address the situation