In this gentle, baby bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen explores one of the most powerful and often overlooked parenting tools: the pause.

When our baby cries or our child becomes upset, the instinct to fix, stop, or intervene immediately can feel overwhelming. And that instinct exists for a reason. Our nervous system is wired for protection. But when hypervigilance runs the show all day, every day, parenting can start to feel harder rather than easier.

This episode unpacks how pausing is not ignoring your baby. It is choosing to respond from safety rather than reflex.

Jen explains how a brief pause helps bring our adult brain back online, giving us access to perspective, choice, and intuition. From newborn sleep to toddler emotions, pausing creates space to observe, gather information, and decide what support is truly needed in that moment.

You will hear why:

1. Hypervigilance is a normal part of becoming a parent, but can become exhausting when it stays switched on constantly
2. Pausing helps regulate your nervous system so you can co-regulate with your child
3. Babies and toddlers often surprise us when given a small moment to settle, adjust, or problem-solve
4. The pause supports sleep by avoiding unnecessary overstimulation
5. Our own past experiences shape how we respond to crying, anger, and frustration
6. Awareness and compassion are key to breaking reactive cycles

Jen also shares a simple, tangible practice she uses herself, placing a hand on her chest and breathing, to interrupt knee-jerk reactions and return to intentional leadership.

This episode is a reminder that you are not doing less by pausing. You are choosing presence, wisdom, and connection. And that choice matters for both you and your child.

🎧 Listen now to learn how the pause can help you parent with more calm, confidence, and trust in yourself.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 98 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

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Until next time, Thrivers