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Name It to Tame It

Apply Siegel's principle: naming feeling activates the prefrontal cortex and calms the amygdala.

6 min Beginner

Goal

Teach the child that precise feeling-naming is the first calming step, via repeated modeling each emotional moment.

Steps

1

When you notice a wave, approach and say: "I see you're..." and pause.

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

The child notices intensity easing just from hearing his feeling named.

Evidence base

School: Interpersonal Neurobiology — Siegel

Founders: Daniel Siegel · Tina Payne Bryson · Matthew Lieberman (2011)

"Name it to tame it" from Whole-Brain Child. Lieberman fMRI-proved naming feeling lowers amygdala and raises prefrontal activity.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Name It to Tame It" take?

This exercise takes about 6 minutes, practiced with another person in a Inner dialogue format.

When will I notice the effect of "Name It to Tame It"?

The child notices intensity easing just from hearing his feeling named. In the short term: Within two weeks, he names feelings voluntarily before you ask.

Is "Name It to Tame It" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Interpersonal Neurobiology — Siegel (Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson, Matthew Lieberman (2011)). "Name it to tame it" from Whole-Brain Child. Lieberman fMRI-proved naming feeling lowers amygdala and raises prefrontal activity.

Is "Name It to Tame It" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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