Understanding "Flip Your Lid" - A Simple Way to Understand Big Emotions

Why Young People Sometimes React Before They Think

One of the most powerful concepts we use at Amazing Minds comes from psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Dan Siegel, who developed a simple way of explaining how the brain works called the "Hand Model of the Brain" or "Flip Your Lid."

The model helps children, young people and adults understand why strong emotions can sometimes take over.

When we are calm and regulated, the thinking part of our brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, helps us make decisions, solve problems, consider consequences and manage our emotions.

However, when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry, embarrassed or frightened, the emotional parts of our brain can take control. Dr Siegel describes this as "flipping your lid."

When this happens, our ability to think clearly becomes reduced. We may say things we don't mean, make impulsive decisions or react before thinking.

For many young people, this is particularly important because the prefrontal cortex is still developing throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.

At Amazing Minds, teaching young people about "flipping their lid" helps them understand:

• Why they react the way they do
• That strong emotions are normal
• How to recognise emotional triggers
• Strategies for calming the brain and body
• How to make more thoughtful choices

Many young people find this explanation incredibly reassuring because it helps them see that they are not "bad" or "broken." Instead, they are learning how to better understand and manage their developing brains.

Further Reading

Dr Dan Siegel

• The Whole-Brain Child
• Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain
• No-Drama Discipline

These are excellent resources for parents wanting to better understand child and adolescent brain development.