Why does my child *always* have to be first up and down the stairs, in and out of the car, or they will have a meltdown or hurt their sibling? 🧐 This is very common among PDA children because it is actually a feature of their brain-wiring 🧠 and nervous system! Whenever their brain perceives they are not first or winning, this will set off the threat response and they will impulsively shove past you, even if dangerous. Do you see this in your home? You are not alone! ❤️‍🩹 🩷 Want to learn more

When a parent smells their baby, it’s not just cute or pleasant—it actually triggers a network of brain areas that create deep feelings of love and bonding. The ventral striatum, part of the brain’s reward system, responds strongly, making the baby’s scent feel pleasurable and motivating the parent to care for and protect the child. It’s like the brain is saying, “this is amazing, I need to nurture this little human.” The orbitofrontal cortex also activates, helping the brain process emotional a