Understanding The Neurobiology Of Fear And How To Create Emotional Safety.
Not only is fear an emotion, but it is also an evolutionary reaction that causes us to feel secure. Long-term fear however restructures the manner in which the brain processes trust, attachment and stress in the case of children. Being aware of the emotional safety, family meeting, and using nonviolent communication to resolve family conflicts, parents and caregivers may learn to create emotional safety that would provide children with confidence, calmness and safety. What Happens In The Brain When Fearing. When the amygdala is triggered by the evocation of fear, it sends fast signals to the nervous system. The stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are the ones that prepare the body to fight, run or freeze. Repeated stimulation of this system in children is potentially overstimulating of the amygdala and disabling other parts of the brain like the prefrontal cortex that regulate emotion and sympathy. This is what causes the children to be either withdrawn or to lash out when there is a conflict at home since the brains of the child are still programmed to fight and not think. Emotional safety may be one of the means of regaining the sense of calmness since it triggers the aspects of trust, empathy, and problem solving. What Is The Significance Of Emotional Safety In A Family. The child brain does not learn in the form of lectures but patterns. The neural pathways that are linked to safety are reinforced under the condition of the consistency of warmth and predictability. The children are facilitated emotionally: It is not possible to manage conflict using aggression. Be true to oneself and not suppressed. Acquire a sense of security with parents and friends. It is anchored on these pillars of a supportive family – the one that transforms the tension into teamwork. The Power of Family Meetings Family meetings are one of the most appropriate ways of restoring sanity after conflict. They allow them both to express feelings, overcome misunderstandings and build confidence. Family Meetings Tips Choose a free time and place where everybody will be free. Let the members take turns. Conclusion, action principle – not fault. These minor yet frequent examples show the children that their emotions do not go unnoticed and that wrongdoings are corrected followed by forgiveness as opposed to being punished. How To Negotiate Conflict Through Nonviolent Communication. The initial step of using nonviolent communication to resolve family conflicts is solving the conflict resolution kids situations through empathy. Parents are the role models of the calm tones, open questions and reflective listening. Instead of asking why did you do that? make an attempt namely Can you explain what you were going through when it happened? The process restores the circuits of the stress response to the brain as less responsive and more interconnectional. With the passage of time, it will teach children that the only safe way to express oneself is to have a calm conversation and an answer or solution can be reached. Practical, Conscious, and Transitional Parenting. Parenting with intentionality is not about following but leading. Parents monitor their stimuli, take breaks and tone down their feelings. Nonverbal cues, like lowered voice, paralinguistic confirmation, or even a small caress, would be more effective than conversation to make someone feel secure. Being there is not about being perfect. A carefree parent will create a careless nervous system in the entire family. Conclusion Neurobiology of fear explains that children would not act wrongly due to malice rather they react in a survivalist way. The families are able to replace the reactivity with the reassurance using the family meetings, empathy and purposeful parenting. Emotional safety instils connection and resilience and converts fear to connection, therefore, the supportive family. FollowVedandi Brahambhatt on Instagram and YouTube, for daily insights, mindful parenting tips, and expert guidance on raising emotionally balanced children. FAQs What is the neurobiology of children’s fear?It is the manner in which the brain responds to threat which is the release of stress hormones which affects learning, memory and emotions. How can family meetings help to solve conflict?They offer a safe space to each voice and are able to help family members to express emotions, build trust, and create a certain understanding among them. Nonviolent communication, what does that mean?It is another type of conflict management that is founded on empathy, listening and non-criticising as well as non-blaming expression. How can intentional parenting bring sanity to the family?Thoughtfully reacting, parents help the children to learn how to control, to be patient, and respectful in case of emotional occurrences. What are the consequences of emotional insecurity in children at an early age?Some of the signs through which a child does not feel safe or heard are that a child can be withdrawn, irritated or even excessive clingy.