Brew #16: Mom's Reset Button & Nervous System Hacks

Author

Jill Gilbert
February 06, 2025

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

Hey there, Mama!

After years of parenting my highly sensitive son, I finally had the realization that hit me like a freight train – I'd been so focused on managing his emotions that I'd completely missed the biggest game-changer of all: managing my own emotions and reactions.

Don't worry, this isn't one of those "just stay calm" lectures (because let's be real, we all have those moments when we accidentally snap or lose our cool). Instead, it's about the massive shift that happens when we start paying attention to our own emotional state first. Because here's the truth that changed everything in our house: our kids can only regulate as well as we can.

In this issue:

  • ✨ Meet Katelyn: The nervous system whisperer helping moms find calm in chaos (her Instagram reels are sooo good)

  • 📊 What Changed Everything: A deep dive into how your emotional state shapes your entire household

  • 🎯 Two dead-simple techniques to reset your nervous system anywhere, anytime

  • 🎧 The earbuds that are saving moms' sanity one meltdown at a time

  • 📚 A soul-soothing book recommendation for when the world feels too heavy

Jill

HSC MAMA, FOUNDER & CEO

HOW YOUR MOOD CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING

One Thing Changed Everything With My Highly Sensitive Child: Learning to Reset Myself First

The secret to handling your child's intense emotions starts with something surprisingly simple: your own sense of calm. This game-changing article reveals how your emotional state shapes your entire household and shares practical ways to stay grounded during overwhelming moments. Discover quick techniques to reset your nervous system, create pockets of peace in chaos, and build a network that has your back. Whether you're dealing with daily meltdowns or just want more peaceful interactions, these tried-and-true strategies will help you create the calmer home you're craving.

CONTENT TO HELP YOU KEEP YOUR COOL

For moms raising highly sensitive children, having a regulated nervous system isn't just nice – it's essential for managing the daily emotional intensity and staying present when your child needs you most. Thats why we love @thepositive_pa! Her Instagram content is a treasure trove of practical nervous system regulation techniques.

As a mom who's navigated her own anxiety journey, Katelyn gets it. Her content cuts through the noise with easy-to-implement techniques you can use anywhere, anytime. Whether it's a quick breathing exercise while waiting in the school pickup line or a 30-second reset between meetings, her strategies are designed for real life.

SAVE YOUR SANITY WITH THESE EARPLUGS

Ever feel like your nerves are fried from the constant touching, talking, and (let's be real) screaming that comes with motherhood? Girl, same. That's why we're obsessed with Loops Earplugs, especially their Switch 2 model.

Here's why we're in love: These aren't your average earplugs that block out everything (because let's face it, we still need to hear if someone's attempting a couch-to-coffee-table jump). Instead, these give you three different modes – Quiet, Experience, and Engage – so you can adjust how much of the world you want to let in.

Think of them as a volume button for life. Having a particularly loud day with your tiny human's big emotions? Pop these in, and suddenly everything feels more manageable. You can still hear everything you need to; it's just... softer. Like being in your own little calm bubble while still being totally present.

And they would be amazing for your noise-sensitive HSC as well! Loops even has you covered with a kids version.

☕ Sip & Support: While "A Cuppa Momsense" is our gift to you, some product links may be affiliates. If you treat yourself, we might get a little something too – at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep the coffee flowing! 💖

TWO TRICKS TO TAME MOM OVERWHELM

Mom's Secret Weapons for Staying Calm When Everyone's Emotions Run Hot

Let's talk about two simple but powerful tricks I swear by for managing those overwhelming moments of motherhood. Because when you're parenting a highly sensitive child, your own emotional regulation is just as important as theirs.

First up: The Hand Trace Technique. Here's the magic – as soon as you start feeling your anxiety creep up or tension build (you know, those moments before things escalate), take your thumb and slowly trace the outline of your other hand. Breathe in as you slide up each finger, and out as you slide down. It's like a portable peace button that no one even notices you using.

I use this during tense IEP meetings, when I start to feel overwhelmed after hearing "Mom!" for the 100th time in 5 minutes, or even during tough phone calls with family members who just don't "get" our journey.

For moments when you need extra support, try this game-changing ice pack trick: place a cold pack on either the back of your neck (where your hairline meets your neck) or on your chest. This stimulates your vagus nerve – basically your body's chill-out button. It helps regulate your nervous system and can quickly bring down those stress levels that build up throughout the day.

OUR FAVORITE FEEL-GOOD BOOK

Pay It Forward

CATHERINE RYAN HYDE

Although it's not the newest book in my collection, "Pay It Forward" by Catherine Ryan Hyde remains one of my absolute favorite books for its beautiful reminder of how we can change the world. When 12-year-old Trevor takes on his social studies assignment to make the world better, he comes up with an idea that's both simple and revolutionary: do three big favors for others and ask each person to "pay it forward" to three more people.

What starts as a school project sparks a movement that reminds us how our everyday choices ripple out in ways we never imagine. Between news cycles that can leave us feeling helpless and daily challenges that can seem overwhelming, this story is like a warm hug reminding us that kindness multiplies. It's the perfect read for highly sensitive souls who deeply feel the world's weight – showing us how that same sensitivity can be our superpower for creating positive change.

Until next week, sip slowly & savor the calm ☕️