Welcome back to Nurture.

Last week, we talked about rupture and repair — the messy, human moments when we lose it, and how we find our way back. This week, we’re leaning into the in-between: the moments before the rupture, when staying “calm” feels impossible, but connection is still within reach.

Because parenting isn’t about never raising our voice or holding it all together with saint-like patience. It’s about being present enough — even in the chaos — to let our children know they’re not alone.

So in this episode, we’ll look at why calm isn’t the gold standard we’ve been led to believe, and why connection matters more. We’ll explore what co-regulation really looks like (hint: it’s not glossy or Instagram-perfect), and how to shift the pressure from composure to presence.

In this episode, we talk about:

✨ Why the cultural ideal of the endlessly “calm” parent is unrealistic — and sometimes harmful✨ What co-regulation looks like in real life — from sensory to emotional to relational support✨ How our own nervous system shows up in these messy moments, and ways to stay tethered✨ Why congruence matters more than composure for our children’s sense of safety✨ How to loosen the pressure to “hold it all together” and instead show up as human, present, and good enough

Resources mentioned:

* 📝 Episode Summary + Reflection Prompts

* 📲 Lockscreen Reminders for Middle-of-the-Night Moments

Connect with Emma:

For more gentle reminders, real-life reflections, and honest conversations about parenting, sleep, and everything in between — come say hi over on Instagram: @themotheringpsychologist

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