A Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children

by Amber Thornton

Discover tools and techniques for managing emotions, reactions, and behavior in this friendly, evidence-based book designed especially to help and support struggling, overstressed parents.As the millennial generation moves into their parenting years, posting on social media about milestones, memories, and good times is almost second nature. Families can seem “perfect,” and some parenting methods are heralded as “the best.” However, behind closed doors, many parents and caregivers struggle greatly no matter what method or combination of parenting methods they use. There are points where it seems like you’ve tried everything. Maybe it even feels hopeless. That’s where A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation comes in. This book will demystify the concepts of dysregulation and parental self-regulation, and will normalize prioritizing these skills for parents, before bringing the concepts into parenting children. With this book’s step-by-step framework, you will learn how to mitigate tough parenting moments, develop self-regulatory skills, and read real accounts from other parents. From addressing societal myths about dysregulated parenthood to tips on re-parenting yourself for better regulation and everything in-between, this book will serve as both a friendly companion and a source of solid, evidence-based advice. A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation is written by Dr. Amber Thornton, a clinical psychologist and mother of two, who knows what it feels like to struggle with dysregulation and self-regulation as a parent.

Genres: Parenting, Psychology, Nonfiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Crista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the therapy tune-up I’ve needed for a while. Dr. Amber takes the reader on a healing journey through real life stories, research, and practical strategies. Most parenting books are child centered and oriented to better understanding the littles in your life. But to truly break generational patterns and show up for kids in the best way, the parents need spaces to heal. I’m grateful for her normalizing style (I had no idea parents are sleep deprived an average of 6 years 😳🤯) and her method for repairing inevitable ruptures in the parent/child relationship. Definitely worth the read.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and brief introduction to various parenting methods, combinations of them, and reassurances of parenting burnout and dysregulation. First parenting book I’ve read so far, plan on rereading soon to make more notes.

[Nona Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

After supporting parents for many years with behavior modification, I struggled when I myself was was having to practice what I preached with my own children. I knew the tricks and hacks but putting into practice with my own children was another beast. This book gives practical advice for parents who find themselves in the throws of dis regulation and how to better address those needs.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Thornton brings her warm, encouraging, and no-judgement approach to parenting. She brings her expertise as a clinician who works with parents, but also importantly, lets you in on her relatable experiences as a parent who has her own moments of dysregulation. She helps overwhelmed parents slow down and look within themselves to understand what is at the root of their challenges. She offers insights from her own research and that of others to normalize the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that come with parenting. She walks the reader through a step-by-step routine to more practical, conscious, and realistic parenting practices. This book will help parents in building acceptance that no parent is perfect and that parents can create space for self care in their care for others. As a clinician, this is a go-to resource for families I work with!

[Kt · Rating 3 out of 5]

We started going through this book one chapter at B a time in an attempt to grow as parents. The transparency of her sample and focus group changed my outlook as it’s a group of matters level two parent households with 1-2 children of preschool and school ages. While that does not invalidate the information it does make it harder to relate to and share with others as that is standard for most families.

I will say I gained a fair amount in the first 25 pages and the final 50 pages! Will use that content with others for sure!

[Morgan Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Love this approach! This book helped to identify some of the core issues parents or just adults in general struggle with trying to regulate themselves for their children or others. Gives examples, concrete steps and processes to try or work towards if you currently feel like you are in a constant cycle of disregulation with the additional fun of feeling like your disregulation is messing up your child's ability to regulate and function in the world.

[Rachel Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and insightful

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic… a fine basic awareness check.