Episode
Why Your Child Absorbs Your Emotions
- Published
- Apr 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1970
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/78aaba2d
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Summary
In high conflict divorce, children don’t just witness a parent’s distress—they absorb it, often without knowing where the feeling is coming from. Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter explain the brain science behind emotional contagion, why it can quietly build a child’s resistance to the healthier parent, and what that parent can do about it. From holding the schedule steady under emotional pressure, to teaching the four big skills for life, to naming emotions out loud to reduce their intensity—this episode gives parents practical tools they can use inside their own home starting today. Resources from this episode: BOOKS Don't Alienate the Kids BIFF for CoParent Communication COURSES & CLASSES FOR PARENTS Conflict Influencer™ Class New Ways for Families Class + Coaching (for parents) Resistance, Refusal and the Child’s Brain ARTICLE 7 Ways Children’s Brains Absorb Their Parent's’ Emotions in Divorce (And What You Can Do About It) TRAINING Professional Organizational Training: [email protected] Submit Questions | Full Show Notes | Bookstore | Website Watch this episode on YouTube! Important Notice: Our discussions focus on behavioral patterns rather than diagnoses. For specific legal or therapeutic guidance, please consult qualified professionals in your area. (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault (00:51) - Update (04:18) - Children Absorbing Their Parents’ Emotions (10:16) - What’s Happening (15:55) - Dad’s Options (17:41) - Setting Up Emotional Responses (20:21) - Parental Awareness and Roles (29:55) - Wrap Up