When children do not feel safe, their amygdala is activated, and they instinctually prioritize protecting themselves over learning or using their rational thinking to motivate their behavior. In these moments we need to soothe. We can teach later. When people feel safe, their rational thinking brain (prefrontal cortex) is accessible, and they are ready to learn. They can take in new ideas, hear feedback, reflect, and problem-solve. This is a great time to teach.
