Learning about brain function

As parents, we’re all tackling the pressures of lockdown, and our kids are certainly feeling increased tensions too. Trying to handle big emotions can be tough for kids, but understanding the science behind our behaviour can help. Knowledge is power, and an awareness of what’s going on inside our bodies can give kids a sense of autonomy. 

We spoke to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Hazel Harrison, who is an expert in teaching kids about emotional self-regulation and brain function. Increasing our self awareness and understanding of how our brains work will lay the foundation for emotional intelligence. 

Introducing The Brain House

A simple way to help kids understand what’s going on inside their heads is to use a “house” analogy. The brain has two sections: an upstairs and a downstairs, just like a house. The upstairs brain is responsible for thinking, problem solving, planning, regulating emotions, creativity, flexibility and empathy. The downstairs brain is in charge of feelings and is focused on keeping us safe and making sure our needs are met. Humans’ instinct for survival originates in the downstairs brain, and it’s what gets us ready to fight, run or hide when we’re faced with a threat. 

Hazel suggests asking kids to make up characters that live in the upstairs or downstairs of the brain. Upstairs characters might have names like Calming Carl, Problem Solving Pete, Creative Craig and Flexible Felix. Downstairs might be occupied by Alerting Allie, Frightened Fred, and Big Boss Bootsy. It doesn’t really matter what names you choose, as long as your kids understand the difference between the brain functions and who’s in charge of what. 

When downstairs takes charge

Imagine that there are stairs between the upstairs and downstairs parts of the brain, and we function best when these two levels work together. But sometimes our brains can be overwhelmed with feelings of fear, sadness or anger, and when this happens, the downstairs part of the brain takes over. This means that the stairs that once connected the two sections of the brain are no longer together, and so the thinking brain is “offline”. It’s important to let kids know that this happens to all of us occasionally. It’s a part of being human. Especially during this fraught time, it can be challenging for everyone to keep a handle on our emotions. Having a better understanding of how our brains function can help us cope.

Speaking with Hazel helped us to recognise the science behind our humanity. We hope that learning about the background of behaviour will lay a good foundation for your family’s increased emotional intelligence, which will in turn help us all to cope better with lockdown. 

Dr. Hazel Harrison works as a clinical psychologist in the United Kingdom. She founded ThinkAvellana to bring psychology out of the clinic and into everyday life. Her website is www.thinkavellana.com and you can also follow her on Twitter at @thinkavellana and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thinkavellana