By the time February arrives, Christmas feels firmly in the past, but for many families, the strain it placed on already-stretched nervous systems is still very present.

When people talk about co-regulation, they often imagine a parent staying calm while their child is in distress. And yes, that calm presence, like an anchor in a storm, is vital. But co-regulation is more than just being calm for your child. It's about being their safe person and their safe place. Because emotional safety is the foundation of all connection. It’s only when a child feels truly safe that they start to open up.