191. Emotional Regulation Starts With Us: Tools for Neurodivergent Families with Sara Hartley
When a child is emotionally dysregulated, it’s easy for parents to feel unsure, exhausted, or like they’re constantly reacting instead of responding.
In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, host Brigitte Shipman sits down with Sara Lewis Hartley, a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience and the author of the Purposefully Me children’s book series, to explore what emotional regulation really means—and how parents can support it without burning themselves out.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level tips. Sara shares practical, compassionate insights about creating emotional safety at home, why regulation starts with the parent, and how understanding emotions—rather than trying to control them—can change the dynamic between parent and child.
💛 In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Common misconceptions parents have about “big emotions” and behavior
- How parents can regulate themselves first—without guilt or perfection
- How to create a foundation of trust and safety with your kids
- The inspiration behind the Purposefully Me book series
This episode is especially for parents who feel overwhelmed by emotions—both their child’s and their own—and are looking for a more grounded, compassionate way forward.
Theme song: Look at the Clouds by Tristan Lohengrin
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Brigitte talks about how to find hope on the autism parenting journey.