EP 235: Parenting in Chronic Protection Mode
EP 235: Parenting in Chronic Protection Mode  
Podcast: The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
Published On: Tue Aug 26 2025
Description: Parenting kids with vulnerable nervous systems often means that parents and caregivers are living in a state of chronic chaos and danger. Even if the behaviors aren’t ‘that bad,’ it’s dysregulating to live with someone in chronic protection mode. In this episode, I take a closer look at how polyvagal theory helps us understand the nervous system’s longing for safety—even when life feels overwhelming—and how parents can increase cues of safety even in the midst of ongoing stress.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why neuroception continuously scans for cues of safety and danger, and how that shapes whether we live in connection or protection mode.How to use the “inside, outside, between” framework to notice and intentionally increase cues of safety in daily life.The hopeful truth that cues of safety from relationships, pets, and nature can eventually be internalized—giving us safety that lives within us, always.Resources mentioned in this podcast:Felt Safety (Inside) {EP 161}Felt Safety (Outside) {EP 162}Felt Safety (Between) {EP 163}Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/chronicprotectionmodeThe Guided Journal will ship to your mailbox on September 21 2026 if you pre-order NOW!You can pre-order anywhere you buy books online. If you'd like a personalized signed copy, pre-order from my local independant book store!Lots of pre-order options, including my local bookstore, and a way to pre-order in bulk (5 or more) and receive a BIG discount at RobynGobbel.com/GuidedJournal If you pre-order TWO or more copies of the new Guided Journal for Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors, you'll get a FREE ticket for Baffling Behaviors LIVE in Richmond, VA!  A four-hour training for parents and caregivers- plus you'll get lunch, snacks, coffee, and some great take-home materials.You can also SPONSOR this event! Help my team and I really nurture and care for burned out parents.RobynGobbel.com Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubSign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagramOver on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)