It’s often a surprising reminder to see ambulance teams and healthcare workers in their working environment, keeping calm amongst constant chaos.
As moms, a similar chaotic environment is happening within the home, and while the two scenarios are very different, there’s a lot that parents can learn from the way ambulance teams stay calm in this chaos, which they can adapt to work in their own home environments.
The surprising overlap between parenting meltdowns and medical ones
There’s a surprising overlap between parenting and medical meltdowns, and that lies in the shared experience of:
- Overwhelming stress
- Loss of control
- Subsequent emotional or physiological dysregulation
Both scenarios are often in high-stakes situations that are relevant to those scenarios, whereby the child or patient is beyond reasoning and in need of crisis management rather than the usual cognitive-behavioral approach.
How the first responder style of calm helps in everyday mom crises
Adapting the first responder style of calm, like those working for the Royal Ambulance, can be helpful for moms who face everyday crises in their homes. Here are a few benefits of using that same calm attitude.
- Reduces overall stress
Having a calm and measured response can help prevent situations in the home with your child from escalating any further than they need to go. You focus on the immediate issues, rather than being in panic mode or reacting to the emotional tensions you’re perhaps feeling.
- Prioritizes the situation
With the assess and address approach, you can help identify which issues are the ones that need addressing as an emergency versus those that can go further down the list of priorities.
- Models healthy behaviors
Children often learn emotional regulation from their parents. Remaining calm in a crisis will often show effective problem-solving, as well as emotional control. That teaches children valuable life skills required for handling their own future challenges.
- Enhances clear communication
Panic will often lead to unclear or heightened communications. A calm demeanor also allows for precise instructions given and effective listening to help get to that resolution quicker.
- Fosters a sense of security
When a parent remains calm during stressful situations, it conveys competence and control, which makes your children feel safer and more secure within their environment.
Small mindset shifts that make chaotic days feel survivable
What are some of the small mindset shifts that can help make those chaotic days feel more survivable with the kids?
Stop and breathe when the crisis hits. The first step is to take an intentional pause and a deep breath. That can help to engage properly and effectively with your child.
Assess the scene and note where the problem or dangers may be. Act deliberately rather than with emotion that’s not always needed or warranted.
Finally, be sure to communicate with your little one, especially when they’re younger and unable to regulate their emotions properly.
Moms can learn a lot from the way first responder teams and healthcare workers in high-stakes environments stay calm in the chaos that exists amongst them every day, so use these tips for your own benefit as a parent.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting this site by buying us a virtual coffee.
