How Experience & Reflection Shape Our Mind: A Conversation with Dr. Dan Siegel

Neuroscience research has led to a new understanding of how early childhood experience, especially parent-child attachment, affects neural connections in our brain. These connections in turn shape our mind, changing the way we think, feel and behave in later relationships and situations. But, as UCLA psychiatrist Dan Siegel discusses with Marti & Erin, our “mind” is more than our “brain.” Remembering and reflecting on our own childhood experiences can help us build new neural pathways and new ways of behaving at any age.   Get ready to take notes as you listen to this deep and important discussion of how reflective parenting can help us achieve greater well-being for ourselves and our children. And, consider reading Dr. Dan Siegel's thought-provoking and mind-changing book, Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, for a deeper dive into this fascinating subject.   HOW HAS REFLECTION ON PAST EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR MIND AND PARENTING? In this Mom Enough discussion of the mind, Dr. Dan Siegel and Marti talk about the importance of reflecting on “implicit” memories so that they can become “explicit” and can be integrated into your understanding of how you respond to parenting challenges. When have you experienced an intense emotional reaction to your child’s behavior in a way that probably was fueled by some memory from your own childhood? What could you do differently the next time those emotions start to bubble up in a situation with your child?   WANT TO LEARN MORE? ❉ THE POWER OF THE TEENAGE BRAIN: AN INTERVIEW WITH PSYCHIATRY PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR, DR. DAN SIEGEL.  In this conversation with Marti & Erin, Dr. Siegel debunks common myths of adolescence, illuminates exciting changes in the teenage brain and offers practical tips for parents and teens.   ❉ THE WHOLE-BRAIN CHILD: DR. DAN SIEGEL’S INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPING MIND. Listen as Dr. Siegel draws on recent brain research to offer an effective and innovative framework for teaching our children to understand how their brains work and use that knowledge to achieve balance, insight and strategies for coping with frustration, disappointment and conflict. Amazon Links are from the Associate Program. Mom Enough® may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share links to products that we have personally reviewed and/or used. Your purchase helps Mom Enough continue to offer evidence-based information at no cost to our listeners.

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Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and her daughter Dr. Erin Erickson, women’s health nurse practitioner and specialist in maternal-child health, are co-hosts of Mom Enough®. They explore the many facets of motherhood in today’s world – from confronting the daily joys and struggles of helping kids grow up well, to balancing work and family, to considering the big questions of how society views and values mothers and mothering. Marti & Erin use research-based information and a few personal confessions as they and their guests discuss what it means to be "mom enough." As moms, most of us worry at times about whether we're doing things right, second-guessing our parenting approach and blaming ourselves if our children stray or fall short. We worry that we might not be "mom enough". But what does it really mean to be "mom enough"? And is it possible to be "mom too much," to the extent that our kids might not have a chance to build their own skills to navigate life's ups and downs? A new, free audio show is posted every Monday with expert guests who address topics related to children’s heath, development and learning. Listen to Mom Enough at www.MomEnough.com. Informational sheets on parenting, health & wellness, child development and safety are available under Resources on our web site.