02/04/2026
Children aren’t born with inhibition.
They grow it- slowly, relationally, and with support.
Inhibition (the ability to pause, think, and choose) lives in the prefrontal cortex- a part of the brain that is very much under construction in childhood.
That’s why impulsivity, meltdowns, and big reactions aren’t signs of “bad behaviour.”
They’re signs that a child’s nervous system needs support.
One important piece of helping inhibition grow is timing.
When children are dysregulated, we don’t rush to fix, distract, or give something to stop the feeling.
Not because they don’t deserve comfort- but because regulation needs to come before problem-solving or rewards.
This doesn’t mean we ignore or abandon children in distress.
We stay close.
We help their body calm.
And once their nervous system settles, we respond.
This is how children learn:
“I can move through big feelings- and stay in control.”
Over time, this builds internal control, not reliance on external fixes.
At Nest Haven Family Wellness, we help families understand behaviour through a developmental lens- reducing shame and building skills that last.
If this resonates, you’re not doing anything wrong.
Your child isn’t behind.
Support is available 🤍
