Dysregulation Nation

Posted by Ce Eshelman on

January 24, 2017

Dear Parents,

Dysregulation is my enemy. The constant nips at my patience can eat it away without my realizing it.

The Attach Place
Center for Strengthening Relationships

I remember, over an uncleaned bedroom, I pulled out an angry punishment and slapped it on my son. He looked like I had backhanded him across the face. And that is the impact of angry punishment on children, especially children who have been harmed before and who now have special needs. It hurt his heart and our relationship.

I wish I had done that differently. I hoped one day I would have more self-control of my own dysregualtion. Eventually, I did.

When he was about to leave the house for school that day, he hugged me saying he was sorry. I hugged him back saying I was sorry. We had mutual “I love you” exchanges like every morning. We repaired. Again.

He still left the house without cleaning his room. Our relationship gash was all sewn up though, and that is all that really mattered.

Love matters,

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