Ep 47 - The Importance of Feeling Safe

Regulated & Relational

In this episode, Julie and Ginger discuss the concept of “Felt Safety”. You can’t trust, heal, or learn in a state of unsafety. This isn’t only about physical safety, but this concept also includes emotional safety. It’s all about the state of your nervous system. Listen in to understand what happens in a child’s brain when they are unsafe, either from a perceived or actual threat. Ginger says, “Children need help returning to the baseline of felt safety through co-regulation.” That is the adult’s responsibility.

Safety is always first, so how does the adult bring about a feeling of safety for the child. First, believe in the child and listen to what they are experiencing. Next, increase predictability, structure, and routine. Also, be careful with your tone of voice. Avoid sarcasm and avoid yelling. And remember - creating an environment of felt safety is important for all children, not just those with early childhood trauma. It is for all of us!

To order ATN’s Calm Kits, visit ATN’s store at https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/atn-store-educator/. Videos on how to use each calm kit item is included with the purchase.

If you choose to create your own “calm kit”, be sure to include tactile items such as fidgets, squishies, silly putty, silicone sponges, shaving cream, weighted blankets, mini tramps, crash pads, pillows and chair bands, just to name a few.

To join our upcoming book study, go to https://www.tfaforms.com/5060290. To sign up for our Movies That Matter Series, click https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/movies-that-matter-series/ Hope to see you there!