You don’t need to always be calm to be a good caregiver. You need support, safety, and permission to be human. Nervous system care is about helping your body feel safe enough to get through the moment. It is not about controlling emotions, forcing calm, or doing things “right.” Regulation looks different for different bodies. […]
We’ve all heard the phrase “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” While that might seem counterintuitive, this important safety instruction is a powerful metaphor for self-care: You must secure your own well-being before you can effectively help others. Too often, parents and caregivers put their own needs on the back burner as they care […]
Over the past several weeks, families from across our community have been coming together—some joining live on Zoom, others watching recordings when life allowed—to explore a different way of understanding children, behavior, and even themselves. With 52 families participating in a mix of live virtual sessions and working at their own pace through recordings, Balanced […]
When we think about mental health support, we often focus on direct services to children and families. But what happens when the professionals caring for our youngest and most vulnerable need support themselves? This is where Reflective Consultation becomes a game-changer in early childhood systems. Over the last 7 years, Encompass has built a robust […]
The Impact of Community Stress and Changes in Routine on Kids’ Nervous Systems During Summer Break As the school year comes to a close and summer vacation begins, many families experience a significant shift in their daily routines. While the prospect of summer freedom is exciting, it can also bring intense challenges that might impact […]
As summer approaches, many parents and caregivers begin the search for the perfect day camp to provide children with a fun, enriching experience. For families of children with neurodiverse profiles or who face challenges in more traditional camp settings, this search can feel particularly daunting. The right environmental fit can make all the difference between […]
