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Feeling Mirror
Name your child's feeling precisely before you try to fix the situation.
Goal
Teach the child his feeling is seen and understood, so escalation drops and self-regulation begins.
Steps
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1
When you notice his face shift, pause. Don't question yet.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
The child breathes deeply on hearing the feeling named — this is "name it to tame it" live.
Evidence base
School: Interpersonal Neurobiology — Name It to Tame It
Founders: Daniel Siegel · Tina Payne Bryson (2011)
"Name it to tame it" from The Whole-Brain Child: naming the feeling activates the prefrontal cortex and calms the amygdala.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Feeling Mirror" take?
This exercise takes about 5 minutes, practiced with another person in a Inner dialogue format.
When will I notice the effect of "Feeling Mirror"?
The child breathes deeply on hearing the feeling named — this is "name it to tame it" live. In the short term: Within two weeks, he begins naming feelings himself: "I'm tense today."
Is "Feeling Mirror" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Interpersonal Neurobiology — Name It to Tame It (Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson (2011)). "Name it to tame it" from The Whole-Brain Child: naming the feeling activates the prefrontal cortex and calms the amygdala.
Is "Feeling Mirror" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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