Discussion Questions
Does understanding the difference between the left and right hemispheres of the brain help you to be more compassionate and curious about the behavior of children? Give an example.
This chapter delves into the integration of both hemispheres of our brain. In your own words, describe what integration means. You can use an example if that helps.
In a difficult situation, do you tend to run to the safety of your logical left brain or do you let yourself fully experience the rush of emotions and live out of your emotional right brain?
When a child (or another adult) is retreating from their emotions, Siegel and Bryson recommend “feeling their feelings” with them in order to build connection and let them “feel felt.” You can do this as you ask the other person to share a story about what they are experiencing. Find a time to practice this today with intentionality, and then share what happened.
When a child (or another adult) is being illogical and experiencing a rush of emotions, Siegel and Bryson recommend connecting with them emotionally instead of trying to argue with logic. Find a time to practice this today with intentionality, and then share what happened.
On p. 27, the authors liken “connecting before redirecting” to swimming out to save a drowning child before reminding them not to swim out so far next time. What is an analogy you can think of along the same lines?
Why is retelling the story of a stressful event helpful? What techniques that the authors suggested did you appreciate?