Caregiver-child interactions have a significant impact on the development of a child's autonomic nervous system. This system is shaped by the tendency of the child to be alert and anxious, calm, or a balance of the two.
The autonomic nervous system of a child develops a tendency towards alertness or calmness through interactions with their primary caregiver. The child's nervous system tends to mimic that of the caregiver, which can lead the child towards anxiousness or a sense of balance between alertness and calmness.
The autonomic nervous system can be regulated even in the absence of another person. Tools such as cold showers or hyperventilation can help us adjust our nervous systems to a more balanced state.