As many of you already know as parents yourself, it can be hard out there in the parenting jungle. Parents are under a tremendous amount of stress and strain, both from concerns BIG and small. Often, holding space for a parent means listening to these concerns, even when you don't have a solution to many (or any) of them. This can be uncomfortable, make you feel helpless, even add time to your day. But it matters.

Here's what you can do in practice:

When things are heavy, scattered, or chaotic in a room, try modeling a moment of calm for the parent. Try making a joke. Sit down even though you're running late. Ask a question that isn't about their child. Help them to sort through the chaos by being the calm in the storm. It's co-regulation - and it matters. And if you notice that it works, try recommending that parents try this at home when their children are dysregulated. They don't need to panic, they need to listen, to hold, and to provide calm. It may look like nothing, but it's entirely the opposite.