When Their Big Feelings Trigger Yours: What Your Child Actually Needs in That Moment
From Thriving Parent-ing by Jen Cuttriss - Sleep Thrive Grow - Baby & Parent Sleep Coach & Mindset Mentor
February 23, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 103
About this episode
This episode discusses how to handle your child's big emotions and the impact on parents.
In this episode of Thriving Parenting , we explore what’s really happening when your child’s big emotions set off something big in you. From meltdowns at bedtime to public tantrums and sibling fights, these moments can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. But what if your child’s behaviour isn’t something to fix, it’s communication? Drawing on insights from Circle of Security, we unpack why behaviour is a signal, what “shark music” is, and how your nervous system plays a powerful role in shaping your child’s emotional development. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about triggers, co-regulation, rupture and repair, and how to stay bigger, stronger, wiser and kind — even when it feels hard. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why behaviour is communication, not manipulation What your child is really asking for during meltdowns How “shark music” gets activated inside parents Why when emotion goes up, thinking goes down — for both of you The snow globe metaphor for understanding overwhelm Why regulating yourself first is not selfish, it’s essential Practical ways to pause and reset in triggering moments The difference between fixing behaviour and containing emotion When and…
People in this episode
Host: Jen Cuttriss
Topics covered
- child emotions
- parent triggers
- co-regulation
- emotional development
- parenting strategies
Keywords
- big feelings
- meltdowns
- communication
- nervous system
- emotional regulation
- parenting
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Circle of Security
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