Understanding Regulation: A Nervous System Perspective
- Sanika Kelkar
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
To understand why co-regulation is foundational, it is helpful to briefly consider how regulation works in the body.
Regulation is not just about behaviour. It is about the nervous system.
When a child is overwhelmed, their body may shift into:
A heightened state (fight or flight): agitation, crying, aggression
A shutdown state (freeze): withdrawal, silence, disengagement
In these states, the brain is not in a position to:
process language
follow instructions
access learned coping strategies
This is why telling a dysregulated child to “calm down” or “use your words” often does not work.
The child is not choosing to be unregulated. Their nervous system is responding to perceived stress.
Co-regulation helps bring the nervous system back to a state where thinking, learning, and responding become possible again.
If you’d like to get in touch with Saamarthya Foundation, you can call us on - +919049860477
Join the Saamarthya Foundation WhatsApp group for updates and resources -
Saamarthya Foundation
Family Resource Centre Pune
Row House 1, Next to Meghmalhar Bungalow, Pancard Club Road, Baner
Comments