DQ - CH4 - The Connected Child

Discussion Questions

1. What can you identify that may be hindering your child’s sense of felt safety? How can you use a creative solution to address that problem?

2. “By helping your child feel safe, making his or her world more predictable, and teaching better coping skills, you can actually optimize cortisol levels and allow your child’s brain to work better” (p. 53). Does this statement make you feel like you’re under a lot of pressure, or does it make you feel empowered?

3. Put yourself in the shoes of a child you serve. What kinds of “normal,” everyday activities might put you in your fear brain?

4. How did you learn to identify safe people in your own life? Why is it important to teach this in the context of your work, and how can you do that (see p. 64)?

5. From the story of the boy who was scared to go into Dr. Purvis’ office, we see how deeply and genuinely she loved children. This story is such a good example of the way that God loves us. How will you love someone else in a selfless and compassionate way today? Be specific.