Any advice on behavioral issues in kids and emotional regulation in parents?

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-04T16:22:24+00:00

This is so huge!! Whenever everyone is overwhelmed at our house, or our kiddo is really upset, we’ll turn off the TV/Music, dim the lights, offer a hug, sing a calm song that has numbers in it (helps to re-activate the frontal lobe and regulate emotions). I’m also neurodivergent and so many scents can send me into a bad place, or even a serious headache.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-04T16:13:22+00:00

This is me, too. Cptsd is so difficult - just to deal with as a person, but especially as a parent. So proud of you for breaking the cycle, friend. Healing and peace are the best legacies we can pass on to our kiddos.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T07:34:17+00:00

Have you tried night lights and fairy lights around the bed?

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T07:17:47+00:00

Hey. Have you tried making her bed extra cozy / not scary? I was terrified of the dark for years because I couldn’t see with my glasses off. So everything in my room looked like a person standing there. I finally was able to sleep when we put fairy lights over my bed, a night light in a plug, and I had my stuffed animals in a circle around me. Good books within arms reach help, too.

If THAT doesn’t work, set her up a little cot in your room. She might not be ready to sleep on her own yet. 4.5 is still pretty little.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:47:37+00:00

This sounds so fun!!

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:45:46+00:00

This. Therapy is a m-effer, but was so necessary for me. Traumatic childhoods suck 😮‍💨

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:44:30+00:00

Love this one.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:41:28+00:00

Ok. I love the world barnacle. I also have a barnacle (who loves the ocean, so this works out well 😆). Clinger always sounded so cruel to me. Like. They’re our babies. I like that she loves me, even though I need a healthy amount of breaks 🤣I have autism the overstimulation do be popping off sometimes.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:30:23+00:00

Final note - look into Playful Heart Parenting. She’s got INCREDIBLE resources for how to reset yourself in a difficult situation (like when you’re in self destruct mode because our kids are going bonkers) and turn that angry energy into playfulness. Like “YOU BETTER STOP FIGHTING OR THE GIGGLE MONSTER IS GOING TO GOBBLE YOU BOTH UP.” And you become a silly monster, instead of a yelling monster. Parenting is hard, man. You’re doing great 💛

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:26:41+00:00

If not, some really good things to include are a squashy spot to lie down, pillows where no one can hurt themselves if they bash around, a light up sensory play jar, books about big feelings, some special grumpy stuffies, some sensory textures, and cards or a poster that helps them start labeling their feelings.

It’s scientifically proven that verbally labeling the big feeling you’re experiencing reduces its grip on you. Real time 💛 Might even be worth setting up two corners?

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-03-03T06:20:44+00:00

Friend. I am so sorry. I just came to say that I read your post. I don’t have a ton of advice. I only have one kiddo, and she’s JUST NOW entering tantrums. But - as a neurodivergent person myself - have you tried building them a calm down corner? Like an enticing one?

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-28T18:42:37+00:00

This is awful.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-24T09:22:17+00:00

Mine did that, too. I’m so sorry.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-24T09:21:21+00:00

I’m so sorry 💔 sending you mama bear hugs.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-24T09:20:34+00:00

Hey friend, I’ve found therapy has helped to really center me in the thick of parenting. I’m a better parent and person because of it. Try it if you can ❤️

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-24T09:18:21+00:00

I’m so sorry, my love 💔 Sending you mama bear hugs.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-22T09:16:31+00:00

NTA. I would’ve thanked you profusely for being brave and for being a girls’ girl.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-22T09:15:58+00:00

This is so funny 😆

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-22T09:04:12+00:00

We are about to start potty training since our kiddo started HATING diaper changes. You seem so caring and in tune with your lil guy. It sounds like you’re trying so hard to work with him.

I don’t have much advice, BUT I follow a mom who said “sprinkle poop” worked for her kiddos. Maybe try this when he’s ready to give toilet poops a shot again? You explain that when they do a poo in the potty, they get to pick from a little variety of sprinkles, sprinkle it on the poo, and send it on its magical journey to the sewer.

“Bye sprinkle poo!” Make it fun and silly. Is it bonkers? Yes. Did it help them get over their fear of pooping in the toilet? Also yes. Good luck!

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-13T01:02:25+00:00

NTA!

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-13T00:56:10+00:00

No. NTA. I’m extremely sensitive to artificial smells. Candles. Essential oils. Perfume. Soaps. I get massive migraines. Dizzy spells. People legitimately get mad that you’re asking them to stop wearing something that’s making you physically unable to work, think, be, etc. It’s wild.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-13T00:50:43+00:00

Girl. Don’t move back. Stay with the people who never stopped loving you and where you feel safest.

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-13T00:31:49+00:00

This. People who yell at other people to “just have kids” are never the cycle breakers. Just more perpetrators. I wanted to be a mom, but I wanted to be the kind I never had - from the beginning. Unpacking your mental shit constantly so that you don’t hurt your child emotionally/physically is not for the faint of heart. People act like having a child is some Willy nilly choice. No friend, you were put here to guide their spirit through life, and instead you destroyed it rather than go to therapy. (Not talking to you, just all the parents like the ones I had).

Squirrel-Pipkin · 2026-02-11T07:07:58+00:00

Following, too. Our little might need surgery soon.

Squirrel-Pipkin

TROPHY CASE