How to Help Your Child Navigate Emotions: Understanding Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model
Understanding the Stress Response
We all have an inbuilt safety mechanism: the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. When the brain detects a threat, real or perceived, it prioritises survival. For children, whose emotional regulation systems are still developing, this can result in overwhelming reactions.
Dr Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain
To help children and adults alike understand this, Dr Dan Siegel created the Hand Model of the Brain, a simple, visual way to show how the brain's different parts work together (and sometimes disconnect) when we feel stressed or dysregulated.
- The wrist represents the brainstem, our survival instincts
- The palm is the midbrain, our emotional centre
- The fingers folded over symbolise the prefrontal cortex, our logical thinking brain
When a child "flips their lid," their thinking brain disconnects from the emotional brain. Logic takes a back seat. This is not a choice; it is the body in protection mode. Reasoning, instructions, or punishments will not land. What the child needs is co-regulation, your calm presence to help their brain reconnect.
How The Galaxy Guide Brings This to Life
The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket uses space-themed metaphors to turn complex neuroscience into something children can understand, enjoy, and use. One powerful metaphor is the idea of "foggy goggles", a symbol of those moments when the connection between the thinking and feeling brain gets blurry. Another key strategy is the "Planet Pause": when emotions become too big, the child is invited to pause, just like an astronaut preparing to land.
Practical Support for Parents and Therapists
When children show what we might label as "challenging behaviour," it is rarely about being naughty. Instead of asking "How do I stop this behaviour?" we invite you to ask: "What is this behaviour telling me about what my child needs?"
Creating safe environments is essential, including predictable routines that support nervous system regulation, space for emotional recovery (calm corners, sensory tools), and emotional language that invites curiosity rather than shame.
When a child flips their lid, their thinking brain disconnects from the emotional brain. This is not a choice, it is the body in protection mode. What they need is your calm presence.
The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket
A therapist-designed book pack for children ages 5–12. Practical strategies, neuroaffirming language, and over 100 regulation activities.
Explore the books →Whether you are a therapist, working in a school, or supporting a child at home, there is something below for you.
Ready Rocket Therapy Program License
A complete, session-ready emotional regulation program for 1:1 and group work. Neurodivergent-affirming, shame-free, and built for the therapy room.
Ready Rocket School Learning Program
A structured emotional regulation program for the classroom. Available for children ages 3 to 7, designed for early childhood and primary settings.
Support Your Child at Home
Books, activity packs, and workshops to support your child's emotional regulation at home. For parents and caregivers of children aged 3 to 12.
