Grounded - Rachel Harrington

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.