Connection is key.

Feeling seen has a powerful impact on our emotions; whether or not we realize it, feeling a sense of understanding and connection to the people around us can drastically impact our mood and behavior. 

In their March 2025 podcast, Relationships 2.0: The Price of Disconnection, Hidden Brain dives into the rare but valuable experience of being seen. Guest Allison Pugh, a researcher who studies the psychological benefits of what she calls “connective labor,” explains why such connection is often overlooked despite its importance. She says, “the emotional impact of being seen [is that] people feel like they have dignity; people feel like they have understanding; people feel like they have purpose… And when you’re not seen, it can really dissuade you from following good advice, because you don’t hear the good advice. You don’t think it’s relevant to you, or it doesn’t feel like it recognizes the particularities of your situation.”

When we apply this thinking to our parenting and teaching, a bright and shining lightbulb goes off. The ability to foster connection with our kids and students unlocks the opportunity to influence the way they perceive a situation. It enables us to positively impact their perspective and invite their brains to form the skills required to make better, healthier choices. We can steer them in a positive, empowered direction, toward the development of their own emotional regulation skills.