---
title: 'What pushes your buttons? '
description: 'Your child’s school struggles can instantly take you back to the emotions you felt when you were in school. In this video, Dr. Monica Johnson talks about how to spot your “button pushers” or triggers.  '
slug: what-pushes-your-buttons
author: The Understood Team
published: '2024-02-09T16:09:55.309Z'
date_modified: '2024-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00'
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-pushes-your-buttons
lang: en
---

# What pushes your buttons? 

Listen as Dr. Monica Johnson dives into the world of big emotions — and how to be more aware of what triggers them. Learn why understanding how to spot button-pushing patterns can help you slow down and find ways to help your brain take a different pathway. 

After you watch the video, check out these questions and tips: 

- Taking time to consider what pushes your buttons can help you feel more in control. Spend a few minutes thinking about past experiences. For example, think of a time when you had an intense reaction to something your child was dealing with at school. Then, do a little detective work. Can you connect that situation to your own experiences at school? What do you think made you react so strongly?
- Journaling, or writing things down, can also help. Try keeping a log of situations or experiences that bring up difficult feelings around school. Having a record can help you spot triggers. That makes it easier to feel more prepared.

This is the third episode in our Parenting Problems series. To start from the beginning, [watch the first video.](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-trauma-big-feelings) 

Ready to learn more? [Watch the next video](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/building-self-compassion-skills) in the series.

---

## Explore related topics and articles

- [Resources for parents coping with their own difficult school experiences](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/resources-for-parents-coping-with-their-own-difficult-school-experiences) - In the final episode of our Parenting Problems series, Dr. Monica Johnson reviews what we’ve learned and offers resources to help you continue your journey. Check it out!
- [School was hard for me. Now my child is struggling, and it’s bringing up a lot.](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-trauma-big-feelings) - If you had a difficult time in school, seeing your child struggle in similar ways can be tough. It can bring up big feelings, and make it harder for you to help yourself — and your child. Find out why from Dr. Monica Johnson. 
- [ Building self-compassion skills](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/building-self-compassion-skills) - Parenting is tough. And it can be even tougher when your child’s school struggles trigger your own big emotions. In this video, Dr. Monica Johnson talks about why it’s important to have compassion for yourself. 

---

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