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This episode is a personal one for me. I’m recording from our new location — a fresh start that comes with a bittersweet edge. My mom, Mary Frances, passed away on Valentine’s Day 2026, and I dedicate this episode to her. She taught me tenacity, courage, and how to see potential in myself before I could see it in my own. I’m learning to slow down, and that lesson is exactly what I want to share with you today.
We’re diving into interoception — your body’s internal compass. It’s the system that tells you when you’re hungry, tired, thirsty, or emotionally overwhelmed. And here’s the thing: so many of us, and so many of our children, have stopped listening to it.
I walk through three real cases from my practice — children struggling with bathroom motivation, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety — and connect each one back to how interoception breaks down when we’re chronically overstimulated, rushed, or stuck in stress patterns. I also touch on how these patterns don’t just affect kids in the moment — they literally wire the subconscious mind during those critical first 7–8 years of life.
We talk about the role of devices, the go-go-go culture we’re modeling for our children, and why unplugging isn’t a luxury — it’s a neurological necessity. I also share how neurofeedback can help retrain the brain when self-regulation has gone offline, and how a genomic approach can personalize interventions to actually work for your child’s unique brain.
If anything here sounds familiar — whether you’re thinking about your child or yourself — book a call and I’ll help you figure out the next steps!
In this episode, we cover:
Interoception 101 — what it is, why it matters, and how tuning into your body’s internal signals for hunger, rest, and emotions is the foundation of a regulated brain
Real case studies from my practice — three clients (mostly children under 8) whose struggles with motivation, bathroom avoidance, and anxiety all connect back to a breakdown in interoception
The go-go-go trap — how our culture of constant busyness and device dependency is manufacturing dysregulated, anxious kids, and what we’re actually modeling for their developing subconscious minds
Neurofeedback and why medication alone isn’t the full picture — how combining brain-based therapies with traditional approaches creates better, more lasting outcomes for both kids and adults
The power of slowing down — a personal reflection on loss, grief, and why making time for what matters isn’t just good for your soul — it’s essential for your brain health
Resources mentioned:
- Book a free call and I’ll help you figure out your next steps!
- Download the Connect My Brain app on Apple or Google Play (it’s free!)
- Join the CMB Membership! (use code PODCAST5 for $5 off!)
- Download Dr. Laura’s guide to Developmental Milestones
- Connect with Dr. Laura on Instagram and Facebook
- Liking the show? Write a review!
More about Connect My Brain:
Why is this happening to my kid and what can I do about it? If you are the parent of a developmentally delayed child then you’ve probably asked this question more than once. That’s where I come in! I’m Dr. Laura Hanson and I specialize in identifying the “why” and telling you the “what.” Join me every Thursday for a deeper look at how our brains are wired and how to get the most out of your mind. Are you looking to break negative patterns, overcome mood disorders, or optimize your potential? Maybe your child struggles with ADHD, OCD or other learning difficulties. Tune in to Connect My Brain, where I explain concepts like biofeedback and neurofeedback, brainwave frequencies, and much more. Let me help you change your life by changing your mind! Contact me HERE.
