Ryan Alford sits down with Alyssa Campbell, author of Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, for a practical conversation about helping elementary-age kids understand their emotions, nervous systems, and behavior. Alyssa explains why children can often explain what they should have done after a meltdown, but still struggle to use those tools before the emotional build-up takes over.
The episode explores the nine-sense nervous system framework, including sensory sensitivity, interoception, proprioception, vestibular input, and neuroception. Ryan asks the parent and school questions many adults are thinking, especially how these ideas work in real classrooms and homes where time, resources, and attention are stretched.
Alyssa also explains why emotional regulation is not about removing hard things from kids’ lives. It is about helping them recognize what is happening inside their bodies, move through difficult feelings, and build the resilience they need for real life.
Topics Covered
Alyssa Campbell’s book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings
Nervous system regulation for kids ages 5–12
The nine senses and how they affect behavior
Sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and emotional overload
Behavior support plans in schools
Why meltdowns often start before adults notice
Supporting kids without becoming permissive
Ryan Alford and Alyssa Campbell on parenting, schools, resilience, and emotional intelligence
Links
Vibe Science
https://vibesciencepodcast.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vibe-science-podcast/id1693460042
https://open.spotify.com/show/3xAMaoZrUn6pflf7sdixdl
https://www.youtube.com/@Vibe.Science
Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
Alyssa Campbell / Seed & Sew
https://www.seedandsew.org/
https://www.seedandsew.org/book
https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/
Big Kids, Bigger Feelings
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/big-kids-bigger-feelings-alyssa-blask-campbellrachel-stuart-lounder
