🚨 EMERGENCY MODE

When everything is on fire: illness, crisis, sleep collapse, overwhelm

ONLY TWO THINGS MATTER

1. Brain States

“Flooded or receptive?” — for them AND you

If anyone is flooded → wait now, teach later

2. Co-Regulation

Stay calm. Stay present. Stay close.

That’s it. Silent presence counts.

For ND brains (yours or theirs), this might also mean: earplugs, dim lights, fewer words. Silence is allowed.

DROP COMPLETELY ✂️

• Environment projects
• Special time expectations
• Skill-building goals
• Descriptive noticing practice
• Problem-solving conversations
• All curriculum steps

YOUR ONLY JOB

Safety + Co-regulation + Self-compassion

Surviving IS success.

This is not a setback. This is life with young kids.

Skipping “special time” or forgetting scripts for weeks does not undo progress. Your nervous systems matter more than the curriculum.

THE MANTRA

“I am a good parent having a very hard week.”

Or: “Connect. That’s all.”

WHEN TO RETURN

Signs you have capacity again:

• You slept (even poorly) for 2+ nights
• You can think about next week without dread
• Kids are past acute illness/crisis
• You notice yourself wanting structure back

How to re-enter:

1. Start at Step 1 (brain states + pause)
2. Move faster through familiar steps
3. 70% standard still applies — imperfect is fine

When you have a bit more capacity but not enough for all 12 steps, see the 6-Step Compact Path.

Post on fridge. Laminate if useful.