NOTE FROM TED: This talk represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of emotions, parenting, and the nervous system. Several claims around mirror neurons and the polyvagal theory lack sufficient scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf.Kayla Tychsen explores how parenting offers a profound opportunity for self-discovery and healing when we’re willing to look at the emotions and behavior our children communicate to us. Drawing on the science of mirror neurons and the autonomic nervous system, Kayla unpacks why our children’s emotions often trigger our own emotions, and how these moments can become invitations to understand ourselves.Through storytelling and compassionate reflection, Kayla guides us to see that parenting isn’t just about raising children, it’s about growing and becoming our truest selves. Instead of staying stuck in patterns of reactivity, we can learn to pause, reflect, and respond with awareness and empathy. In doing so, we break cycles, heal past wounds, and create new legacies of emotional safety for our children and for ourselves.Kayla Tychsen is a certified parent coach, educator, and speaker. She has co-founded education projects in the Middle East serving displaced and vulnerable children. Through her workshops, coaching, and public talks, Kayla equips parents, caregivers, and educators to lead with empathy, regulation, and intention. Kayla Tychsen is a Certified Parenting and Integrative Trauma Coach who is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers to cultivate confidence, connection, and joy in their families. With training in Trauma-Informed Classrooms, Resilience in Children, Social EmotionalLearning, and an AMI Montessori certificate for ages 0-3, Kayla brings a holistic and research- backed approach to her work. Her training in Motivational Interviewing, InterpersonalNeurobiology, and Integrative Trauma Therapy allows her to guide parents with compassion and clarity through the complexities of parenting. Kayla's work has spanned the globe, from working in an inner-city classroom in Southern California, co-founding two elementary schools for refugee populations in Lebanon, and supporting families around the world with practical, evidence-based solutions. Having navigated postpartum anxiety, she understands firsthand the challenges of parenting. Her journey fuels her dedication to helping parents become aware of how their past experiences shape their present parenting, define and live their values, and foster deep, secure relationships with their children. Her tutelage under the renowned Dr. Dan Siegel has allowed Kayla to stay at the forefront of neuroscience and attachment research. Through personalized coaching, engaging workshops, and accessible online resources, she equips families with the knowledge and tools to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood, and empowered to thrive in today’s world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx