309: Raising A Self Driven Child

The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The Impact of Parental Stress

• Ned Johnson discusses the detrimental effects of parental stress, which often leads to over-emotional and overreactive behavior in parents.
• The connection between parental stress and intensified situations for children is explored, emphasizing the need for recognition.
• Ned references research findings that highlight the relationship between parental stress and children's behavior in the context of special education.
  

The Role of a Non-Anxious Presence

• The concept of being a non-anxious presence is defined, and its significance in parenting is explained.
• Ned emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and composed in challenging situations and how this can positively influence children.
• The concept of acting as a "stress sponge" is discussed, with real-life examples illustrating its benefits for both parents and children.
  

Strategies for Effective Stress Management

• Ned Johnson provides practical strategies and activities for parents to manage their stress effectively.
• Suggestions include spending time with friends, regular exercise, reading, and meditation.
• The host highlights the importance of finding personalized stress-reduction activities that work for each individual.
• Expert tips and recommendations are shared for incorporating stress-reduction activities into a busy schedule.
  

The Science Behind It

• Ned Johnson delves into the neuroscience of stress and its impact on the prefrontal cortex.
• The connection between being a non-anxious presence and optimal prefrontal cortex function is explained.
• The influence of a calm and supportive environment on a child's problem-solving abilities is discussed.

Valuable resources, such as the books "The Self-Driven Child" and "What Do You Say?" by the co-authors of the episode are mentioned.