When emotions run high and the household feels out of control, it can be difficult to know how to respond in the moment. Parents often feel pressure to address behaviors immediately, even when they are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or exhausted. Taking a brief pause to ground yourself first is not avoiding the problem. It is a way to set yourself up to respond more effectively and with intention.

In this video, Boys Town Parenting Expert Bridget Barnes shares simple, practical strategies parents can use to calm their minds and bodies before stepping in. From quick breathing techniques to mental resets that take just a few seconds, these tools help create the emotional space needed to think clearly and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting on impulse.

By learning how to regulate your own emotions first, parents model healthy coping skills for their children and help create a more supportive environment at home. These small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference in how tense moments are handled and can help parents feel more confident while helping kids feel more understood, even during life’s most chaotic days.