Brain Priming: Why Some Kids Seem “Ready” for Big Reactions
- Inka Hart
- May 17
- 2 min read
What Is Brain Priming?
When a child’s brain spends a lot of time in stress, overwhelm, or “survival mode,” their brain can become primed for dysregulation. This means their nervous system starts expecting danger, frustration, or discomfort — even during small everyday situations. Things like being told “no,” getting dressed, transitions, sibling conflict, or minor disappointments can quickly lead to big reactions because their brain is already on high alert.
On the other hand, brains can also become primed for regulation. When children experience repeated moments of safety, connection, predictability, and co-regulation with caring adults, their nervous system begins to expect calm and support instead of threat. Over time, this helps children recover from stress more easily and respond with more flexibility.
Brain Priming & the Bunny Situation
The Brain Learns From Recent Experiences
One important thing to know is that our brains are often especially influenced by our most recent experiences and responses. If the last few experiences ended in yelling, panic, avoidance, or overwhelm, the brain becomes more prepared to use that same pathway again the next time something hard happens. In a way, the brain says: “Last time this happened, we went into survival mode… so let’s get ready for that again.”
But the opposite is true too.
If a child experiences support, calming strategies, connection, movement, repair, or success during a hard moment, the brain also remembers that. The brain begins to think: “Last time we got through this safely… maybe we can do that again.”
Creating Pathways in the Brian
Think of it like creating trails in the brain:
The more often a child practices dysregulation, the easier the brain finds that path.
The more often a child experiences regulation, the stronger that pathway becomes instead.
This does not mean children are choosing to be dysregulated or that parents are doing something wrong. Brains learn through repetition, patterns, and experience.
The goal is not to eliminate big feelings. The goal is to help a child’s brain learn: “I can feel hard things and still be safe.”
Over time, these repeated experiences help build a nervous system that is more flexible, resilient, and able to return to calm more easily.
Want to Learn More?
If you're interested in learning more about therapy, nervous system regulation, or ways to support your child through big feelings, feel free to connect or stay tuned for more videos.
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