Core Argument - Parenting presents opportunities to address unexamined aspects of oneself, as children mirror parental behaviors and emotions [1] - Children's emotional regulation relies on co-regulation, highlighting the importance of parental self-regulation [8] - Disregulation cycles between parent and child can escalate situations, emphasizing the need for conscious responses [9][10] - Healing in challenging parenting moments involves awareness, acknowledgement, and acceptance of emotions and responses [13][14][15] Psychological Mechanisms - Mirror neurons facilitate understanding and mirroring of others' behaviors and emotions [3] - The autonomic nervous system triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses, with the nervous system constantly assessing safety cues [3][4] - Individuals are hardwired to perceive the minds of others, suggesting children reflect parental stress and tension [6][7] Practical Application - Recognizing and validating children's perspectives is crucial, especially if one grew up feeling unheard [12] - Connecting with oneself and communicating regulation and safety are essential for co-regulation with children [18] - Shifting from unconscious reactivity allows for a new legacy of emotional safety for children [23]