In our last blog, we talked about the courage it takes to make a friend. For many children, approaching someone new, joining a group, or simply saying "Can I play?" can feel overwhelming. That first step takes courage. But making a friend is only the beginning. Building a friendship requires a different set of skills. Take Max. Max was full of life and energy, and one of his favorite things to do was visit the park near his house. He loved being around other kids and seemed to make friends...

Making friends is not always easy; some kids can jump right in, and others struggle and wonder what is wrong with them. Take 11-year-old Sarah, her favorite spot is the beach. She loves everything about it, the waves, the sun, the whole vibe. But despite all that, the beach sometimes throws a curveball her way, especially when it is really busy or when other kids are having fun together. Her mom told me the story of a particular day at the beach when a bunch of kids nearby, were building a...

Imagine walking into a store with your child before asking them to go in alone. From the outside, this might not seem significant. But for a child who feels anxious or uncertain, your presence changes the entire experience. In that moment, your child is borrowing safety from your nervous system long enough to try something hard. We often think of co-regulation happening during the big emotional meltdowns—the tears, screaming, or slammed doors—but many of the experiences that help our kids...