In this powerful keynote clip, Dr. Stuart Shanker takes us deep into what it really means to recognize stress in infants, toddlers, and young children—and why this understanding is essential if we want to protect their spirit.
Drawing on decades of research with pioneers like Stanley Greenspan, Georgia DeGangi, and Stephen Porges, Dr. Shanker shows that stress isn’t just about “big emotions” or social pressures. For babies, stress begins as a profoundly biological experience, shaping everything from early brain development to attachment, learning, and the child’s sense of safety.
With video examples, Dr. Shanker illustrates how utterly dependent young children are on the caregiver’s nervous system. These moments show the true power of the interbrain: the way a parent’s calm presence, tone, facial expression, and attunement can literally turn off a child’s limbic alarm. And just as importantly, he explains why caregivers must also care for their own stress so they can provide the sensitive, soothing responses that build secure attachment and set the stage for later learning.
This talk shines a bright light on the shift from self-control to self-regulation—why what looks like “misbehavior” in older toddlers is often still stress behavior, and how recognizing hidden stressors helps children move from survival brain to learning brain. Dr. Shanker closes with a powerful reminder: supporting the child means supporting the caregiver. Reducing stress on both sides is the real key to protecting the spirit, curiosity, and development of every child.
Watch Stuart’s talk below to explore these insights and deepen your understanding of early stress, connection, and Self‑Reg in the earliest years.
Learn More from Dr. Shanker
Our Founder & Visionary, Dr. Stuart Shanker has shared a number of insightful books, blogs, webinars & programs over the years. What are you most interested in?
- The Science: Reframing Stress Behaviour with Gray Brain Science Certificate Program
- The Self-Reg Theory: Foundations Certificate Program
- The Practice: Self-Reg Schools: A Handbook for Educators
- The World: Reframed: A Self-Reg Revolution Book
