The Calm Brain is a Thinking Brain, a Brain- Set learning environment for young children (Duncan & Murray, 2021) highlighted the importance of the environment setting in an early childhood education setting. As educators could have this knowledge, it is important for parents to learn how to support the development of a survival brain for their children.
The survival brain is located in the brainstem at the base of the brain. Its primary role is to keep us alive by regulating automatic bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate (Nagel & Scholes, 2016).
Before children can effectively think or learn, they must first feel safe and secure. When children experience emotional distress, their fight, flight, or freeze response is triggered, causing an increase in cortisol production. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels can leave children in a constant state of alertness. This heightened stress negatively affects executive functioning skills, including memory, adaptability, and self-regulation (Tokuhama-Espinosa, 2011). Therefore, fostering a sense of safety and security at home is essential. Creating a calm and supportive environment can help meet the needs of your child’s survival brain.
Tips for Supporting the Survival Brain at Home
Maintain consistent schedules for meals, bedtime, homework, and play.
Limit background noise from televisions, devices, or loud conversations.
Model calm behaviour during conflicts or challenging moments.
Validate emotions by acknowledging what your child is experiencing.
Ensure your child gets adequate sleep for his/her age and developmental needs.
Spend quality one-on-one time with your child each day.
Help your child feel valued, heard, and connected to you.
When children consistently experience safety, predictability, and supportive relationships, their survival brain remains calm, allowing them to better focus, learn, remember information, and regulate their emotions.