Polyvagal Parenting
Foreword by Stephen W. Porges, PhD. Creator of Polyvagal Theory
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You don’t have to be perfect. You never did.
What if ‘showing up’ was more important than following a parenting script? Discover the science-backed way to raise an emotionally secure child in an increasingly anxious world.
Creator of the Polyvagal Theory
“The translational value of this work is profound... Through examples and exercises, the book helps readers feel what safety looks like, sounds like, and feels like in the body.”
Stephen W. Porges, PhD
Psychologist and Award Winning Author of the Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook
“Whether you are a therapist working with families or a parent, this book is a must have.”
Arielle Schwartz, PhD
Integrative Pediatrician, CEO & Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, and bestselling author
“This is the kind of guidance every parent needs - not just to navigate challenges, but to raise resilient, emotionally secure kids who can thrive from the inside out.”
Elisa Song, MD
Author with Stephen W. Porges of Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing
“This important book reminds us of our most essential role as parents: helping our children feel safe.”
Karen Onderko
Author of 20 Embodied Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction: Using the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model
“For parents, clinicians, and educators, seeking a grounded, scientifically informed pathway to healing and connection, this book will stand out as essential.”
Jan Winhall, M.S.W., F.O.T.
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The book every parent needs right now.
Have you ever felt judged as a parent?
Do you feel like hiding in the supermarket aisle when your child has a tantrum?
Do you feel like small routines suddenly spiral into a meltdown?
If any of this feels familiar, Polyvagal Parenting offers a different way of understanding these moments.
Psychologist, Paul North, pediatrician, Dr Lydia So and performance consultant, Michael Allison teach the science of safety – helping you to make sense of these moments and giving you the tools to respond to your child in ways that calm, connect, and support emotional regulation.
Praise from our early readers
"This book is a practical resource to parents and to all who provide love and care for young people in their lives. Polyvagal Parenting speaks gently to the need to prioritise compassion within our demanding lives and the uniquely demanding role of parenting, providing confidence through the scientific evidence and reassurance in the pragmatic steps we all can take. "
Melinda Brady
"It felt more like talking with someone who understands parenting than reading a typical parenting guide. Honestly, I think every parent should read this book."
Melly
"What makes this a 5-star read is its compassion. It removes the shame from "big emotions" and replaces it with biological understanding. It’s not just a book about theory; it’s a manual for building a more resilient, securely attached family. This should be required reading for every parent, educator, and therapist."
Chelsea Walsh
Begin here
Download your companion resources to help you put Polyvagal Parenting into practice.
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Feel Safe
Using the science of safety to raise calm, connected kids.
Start Your Polyvagal Parenting Journey (Free)
Become a free site member and receive the Polyvagal Companion Resource, audiobook, electronic copy of the children's book and Safe and Sound companion guide
These resources are supplementary to the Polyvagal Parenting book and a great way to start your journey now.
These resources are supplementary to the Polyvagal Parenting book and a great way to start your journey now.