Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents

By: Harrington, Rachel

A movement-based approach to nervous system regulation built specifically for parents

Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents offers a root-cause approach to parental dysregulation. Written by Rachel Harrington, a certified occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex clinical specialist, this book delivers a practical, movement-based framework for parents stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Rather than focusing on children's behavior, it turns the lens on the parent's own nervous system.

Grounded walks readers through identifying sensory overload, understanding retained primitive reflexes--found in roughly 50% of adults aged 25-55 according to the Journal of Neurology--and building daily routines that support regulation before stress takes hold. The book includes illustrated exercises, sensory strategies, checklists, and workbook-style tracking pages that make complex neurological concepts accessible and actionable for everyday life.

Readers will also find: Relatable personal stories that normalize the experience of parental overwhelm and sensory overload in daily life A clear explanation of how unintegrated primitive reflexes contribute to emotional dysregulation in adults Illustrated movement exercises designed to calm the nervous system and build long-term regulation habits Sensory strategy checklists and workbook-style pages for tracking progress and personalizing daily routines Proactive tools that empower parents to address root causes rather than simply managing surface-level stress symptoms

Grounded is written for overwhelmed parents struggling with emotional regulation, sensory overload, and burnout who want science-backed, practical tools to regain control of their energy and emotions. It also serves therapists and practitioners seeking reliable resources for the adults and families in their care.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 139439389X
• ISBN13: 9781394393893
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 256 Pages