Did you notice that whenever something feels “off,” it’s usually marked by a change in our emotional state? We’ve been taught to fix, suppress, or avoid emotions — especially in children. But what if emotions aren’t the problem at all? What if they’re signals, quietly telling us what the nervous system needs to feel safe, connected, and regulated? When we stop pulling emotional “weeds” and start tending the soil underneath, regulation doesn’t have to be forced — it grows.

The shift from summer break to the school year isn’t just about dusting off backpacks—it’s a full reset for the entire household. While...