Polyvagal theory for kids
In Early Childhood Education, we often use tools such as The Colour Monster and Zones of Regulation to help children understand their feelings and emotions. To deepen those understandings, we can use The Polyvagal Theory to begin to explore where these feelings don’t exist in isolation - that they are impacted by our nervous system, something we call “story follows state”.
Think of it as a friendly guide, providing insights into how their bodies respond to different feelings. It's like a handy map, making the exploration of the diverse landscape of emotions a bit more manageable.
Here is a little story to begin to introduce this concept to our little ones:
Imagine you have a superhero inside you, and this superhero has three incredible powers:
Social Butterfly Power: This power is like having a friendly butterfly inside you. When it's activated, you feel warm and fuzzy, and your superhero body is all about making friends, feeling happy, and enjoying time with others. It's like a joyous dance party in your heart.
Brave Explorer Power: Now, this power is like turning into a courageous explorer. When it kicks in, your superhero body feels charged up and excited. It's ready to try new things, be curious, and face adventurous challenges. It's like a burst of energy that sends shivers of excitement down your superhero spine.
Cozy Blanket Power: The third power is the Cozy Blanket, and it's like wrapping yourself in a warm, calming hug. When you activate this power, your superhero body feels safe and calm, helping you take a break and relax. It's like a soothing lullaby for your superhero soul.
Now, your superhero has this long highway called the "Super Feel-Good Highway" and it has two cool lanes.
Connected Lane (Ventral Vagal): It's like the Social Butterfly Power lane. When your superhero is cruising down this lane, you're in the "rest and digest" mode. Your superhero body is all about feeling connected, making friends, and enjoying life. It's like a peaceful garden where your superhero heart blooms with happiness.
Survival Lane (Dorsal Vagal): This is like the Brave Explorer and Cozy Blanket Powers combined. When danger appears, your superhero can go down this lane to either face the challenge bravely or play it cool and safe, like freezing or taking a break. It's like your superhero going into stealth mode, ready to navigate tricky situations with grace.
Now, sometimes, your superhero highway can get a bit mixed up. You might end up in the "Fight or Flight" mode, feeling anxious and ready for action, or in the "Super Freeze" mode, feeling withdrawn or numb when there are no dangers long after the danger has gone away.
But don't worry! The more we can learn to understand when to use each power and move in and out of these lanes based on what's happening. It's like a dynamic dance, allowing your Social Butterfly, Brave Explorer, and Cozy Blanket Powers to work together, ready for any superhero adventure that comes your way!
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Learn more about The Polyvagal Theory and Safe and Sound Protocol can support how we can navigate between these lanes.
