Teaching Kids Emotional Self-Regulation: Episode 222

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts or check out the fully edited transcript of our interview at the bottom of this post.In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I interview Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang about self-regulation, co-regulation, repair, and what realistic emotional expectations look like for children ages five to eight. We discuss why parent self-regulation matters so much, how to support kids through big feelings, and practical strategies families can use together.Know someone who might appreciate this episode? Share it with them!And if you love the podcast, FREE ways to help us out: 1- Rate and review the podcast in your podcast player app 2- “Like” this post by tapping the heart icon ♥️ 3- Share this with a friend. THANK YOU!We talk about:* 00:00 — Meet Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang* 03:00 — The book and self-regulation. What self-regulation is and why it starts with parents* 06:00 — What’s realistic for kids (ages 5–8) and why big emotions are normal at this age* 11:00 — Co-regulation: What it is and how parents support it* 15:00 — Supporting kids through big feelings: Why feelings shouldn’t be rushed or shut down* 20:00 — Revisiting hard moments and why conversations after the fact matter* 23:00 — Repair: How and why to repair after conflict* 29:00 — Practical tools and simple regulation strategies* 35:00 — When strategies don’t work: Why practice and flexibility matter* 38:00 — Where to find the guests* 39:00 — Final reflections: Advice to their younger parenting selvesResources mentioned in this episode:* The Self-Regulation Workbook for Ages 5-8* Kahlila’s website and IG @kahlilarobinson* Sarah G’s website * Yoto Screen Free Audio Book Player* The Peaceful Parenting Membership* Evelyn & Bobbie bras* Strong-Willed Kids WorkshopConnect with Sarah Rosensweet:* Instagram* Facebook Group* YouTube* Website* Join us on Substack* Newsletter* Book a short consult or coaching session callxx Sarah and CoreyYour peaceful parenting team- click here for a free short consult or a coaching sessionVisit our website for free resources, podcast, coaching, membership and more!>> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, “Weekend Reflections” and “Weekend Support” - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in the summer for the 3rd year!) All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others.In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything’ session.Our sponsors:YOTO: YOTO is a screen free audio book player that lets your kids listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts and more without screens, and without being connected to the internet. No one listening or watching and they can’t go where you don’t want them to go and they aren’t watching screens. BUT they are being entertained or kept company with audio that you can buy from YOTO or create yourself on one of their blank cards. Check them out HEREEvelyn & Bobbie bras: If underwires make you want to rip your bra off by noon, Evelyn & Bobbie is for you. These bras are wire-free, ultra-soft, and seriously supportive—designed to hold you comfortably all day without pinching, poking, or constant adjusting. Check them out HEREWelcome back to another episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast. Today’s guests are Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang, who wrote The Self-Regulation Handbook for Kids ages five through eight. Although their book is aimed at parents of kids these ages, the truth is that so much of what we discussed applies to parents of kids of all ages, toddlers to teens.A lot of the themes we discuss today will be familiar to you as listeners because you’ve heard me talk a lot about self-regulation, co-regulation, and repair. Listen into our conversation to learn why these are important for us as parents and why they are so crucial for teaching kids self-regulation no matter what age they are.Let’s meet Kahlila and Sarah.Sarah R: Hi, Kahlila. Hi, Sarah. Welcome to the podcast.Kahlila: Thank you so much, Sarah. Thank you for having us.Sarah R: Yeah. We’re going to be talking about your book, The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages Five to Eight. But before we dive in, maybe if you could each introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.Kahlila: Sure. I’m Kahlila Robinson. I’m a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City. I have a private practice where I see kids, families, and adults. I’m also a mom myself of two kids, and I’m ...