How emotional safety shapes us — and how we pass it on

This week’s episode holds a moment I won’t forget — not because it was dramatic, but because it was tender. A whisper in the dark. A small hand wrapped around my arm. The kind of moment that reminds you: this matters.

We’re talking about emotional safety — what it really means, how it lives in our bodies, and how we slowly build it through presence, not perfection.

We’ll explore:

* Why emotional safety is more than just “calm”

* How a child’s nervous system learns “you’re safe and held”

* Why so many of us are trying to offer what we didn’t receive ourselves

* What research tells us about stress regulation, attachment, and resilience

* How tiny moments of nurture can rewire old patterns — for our children and for us

This one runs a little longer than usual, because it’s big, meaningful work. But you don’t need to remember everything — I’ve gathered all the reflections and resources for you below.

And remember: if this episode brings up tenderness, guilt, or grief, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because it matters to you. That’s where nurture begins.

I'm so glad you're here.— Emma x

📎 Resources to support you:

* 📝 Episode Summary — key takeaways and gentle science to revisit anytime

* 📄 Reflection Page — a printable or digital space to explore what emotional safety feels like for you

* 📱 Lock Screen Reminders — quotes from this episode to keep on your phone when you need a gentle nudge

You can access them all here:👉 Download Episode 3 Resources

If this episode offered you something meaningful, it would mean so much if you shared it with a friend, left a kind review, or posted it to your stories. It helps other parents find this space — and it helps me keep making it. Thank you.

Get full access to Nurture by Dr Emma Bagnall at themotheringpsychologist.substack.com/subscribe