From Meltdowns to Connection: Co-Regulation Through Play

Co-regulation is everywhere in parenting conversations right now, but what does it actually look like when your child is melting down and “just stay calm” isn’t enough?

In this session, we’ll make co-regulation practical. You’ll learn how parents can use their own nervous systems to offer children a steadier one to borrow from, especially in those big-emotion moments when words, reasoning, and logic simply aren’t reaching them. We’ll also explore why connection is such an important part of helping a dysregulated child return to baseline without giving up boundaries.

Sam Peoples will bring co-regulation out of theory and into everyday family life, with a special focus on the power of play. Rather than treating play as a distraction, reward, or simply downtime, you’ll discover how ordinary moments of play can become meaningful opportunities for regulation and connection.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what co-regulation can look like mid-meltdown, how to use play intentionally, and how to build small moments of connection into your day before emotions escalate.