This week on the podcast, Charna speaks with Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta, an expert in applied educational neuroscience and social–emotional learning. Together, they explore what it really means to raise calm, connected kids — and how to do it without losing your mind (or yourself) in the process.
They unpack the science of co-regulation, discuss the difference between gentle and authoritative parenting, and share practical tools for managing stress behaviors and creating family balance.
Dr. Chelsey offers compassionate insights for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to build calmer, more cooperative relationships with children, and with themselves. Charna also introduces her upcoming group program designed to help parents and individuals deepen their self-regulation and embodiment practices.
“When we learn to regulate ourselves, our children learn safety through us.”
— Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Wish for Parenting
00:53 Introducing Dr. Chelsey and Her Expertise
02:41 Chelsey’s Journey and Parenting Course
05:13 Parenting Challenges and Co-Regulation
07:45 Gentle Parenting vs. Authoritative Approach
15:54 Tone and Nonverbal Communication in Parenting
20:54 Handling Parental Preferences and Boundaries
30:17 The Ineffectiveness of Negative Commands
30:51 Positive Framing in Parenting
32:38 Intervening Before Explosions
34:04 Handling Stress Behaviors
35:21 Challenges of Co-Parenting and Transitions
37:57 Adoptive and Foster Parenting
45:09 Embodiment and Raising Self-Aware Children
53:22 The Power of Praise and Positive Reinforcement
56:11 Conclusion and Resources
Subscribe to LaidOPEN for more conversations about intimacy, self-regulation, and the science of connection.
