The moods that kids experience aren’t simply related to whatever is happening to them during the day. They have a lot to do with the chemicals running around their brains and bodies.
Brain chemistry has as much power to shift emotions as does a happy or sad event. Adrenaline and cortisol are brain chemicals that parents want less of in their kids.
Adrenaline is partly responsible for the revved up, ‘cordial high’ and extreme activity that some kids experience. It is very powerful as it causes the flight/fight part of the brain to take over.
When a child gets an adrenaline rush it is a waste of time trying to change their behaviour until adrenaline decreases. That’s why you need to either give amped up kids some space or the time to calm down. Physical activity can help dissipate adrenaline. Having a family life where there is lots of repetition and rituals is one way to lessen adrenaline.
Cortisol is the other brain chemical worth watching out for. It is the stress hormone that gets released with adrenaline. It lowers verbal ability so stressed kids often can’t verbalise their thoughts.
Too much cortisol and you will have an inflexible, stressed out child. Ridicule, put downs and fear can increase cortisol so a psychologically safe environment helps reduce cortisol. Less sugar and more water also controls cortisol. Plenty of sleep reduces both adrenaline and cortisol.
What about ‘feel-good’ brain chemicals?
Read more of this excellent article by Michael Grose ...
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