537: Raising Calm(ish) and Confident Kids with Dr. Chinwé Williams

Big emotions can leave even the most confident mom wondering, Is this normal… or should I be concerned? Counselor Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen and Emily to explain what’s happening in our kids’ brains when they completely lose it and how we can partner with them to teach coping skills so they can move toward handling hard emotions on their own.

Episode Recap:

• Are kids struggling with mental health more these days or are we just better at recognizing it? (2:32)
• As young as age 5, kids are struggling with ‘task persistence’ (4:41)
• Anxiety is a sign - it’s not the enemy (8:54)
• Understanding the upstairs vs. downstairs brain (15:48)
• How do we help our child via co-regulation? (20:04)
• Where’s the line between attachment science and gentle parenting? (22:50)

Scripture:  James 1:19 (NIV) — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Discussion Questions:

1. When your child has big emotions, what’s your first instinct: fix it, stop it, discipline it, or help them through it?
2. Dr. Williams said anxiety is a sign, not the enemy. What might your child’s anxiety be telling you right now?
3. How well do you stay regulated when your child is dysregulated? What tends to send you over the edge with them?
4. Is there an area where you’re stepping in too quickly instead of giving your child a chance to struggle, persist, and build confidence?

Resources:

• Pick up a copy of Calm, Courageous, and Connected
• Sign up for Dr. Chinwé’s free monthly newsletter online
• Connect on IG: @dr.chinwewilliams
• Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community.
• Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live! - a short term group with Karen and Erin

Want More of This Conversation?
In Wire Talk+, Dr. Chinwé Williams gets incredibly practical about what to say and do during a meltdown—including how to respond when your child’s big emotions trigger your own.

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