Ep 37. Children and Epigenetics with Family Well-Being Coach Lisa Walton
The Transformative Power of Epigenetics in Parenting and Education
Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right,” but still hitting roadblocks with your kids? Maybe it’s the morning rush, the constant push-pull over homework, or just trying to figure out how to help them feel more like themselves. In my latest episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable., I sat down with Lisa Walton—an engineering mind turned epigenetics expert—to explore how understanding your child’s unique epigenetics can change the game.
Embracing Uniqueness, Not Cloning Copies
Instead of trying to fit every kid into the same mold, what if we celebrated their differences? It’s not about a “right” or “wrong” way of being. By shining a light on each child’s unique strengths, we can help them avoid lifelong struggles with self-worth. And this perspective isn’t just for parents—it can revolutionize how educators, teams, and even businesses operate. Lisa and I discussed how viewing children through the lens of epigenetics and interpersonal neurobiology can reveal what’s really going on beneath those surface behaviors.
Health Types: A New Lens on Behavior
Ever wish you had a secret decoder ring to make sense of your child’s moods and quirks? Enter the “health type lens.” Rather than slapping on a good/bad label, this lens helps us see challenging behaviors as signals. Anxiety, for instance, can be a clue that something’s off in your child’s environment or daily routine. By fine-tuning schedules and expectations to better suit their natural rhythms, we can help them find their “flow”—that sweet spot where everything just feels right.
The Morning Mood Makeover
Hate those frantic mornings? You’re not alone. Lisa and I chatted about how school start times, family routines, and kids’ internal clocks often clash. But making small tweaks—like prepping the night before or adding a little morning movement—can shift the energy of the entire day. A calmer morning routine doesn’t just make kids happier; it also gives parents room to breathe and sets everyone up for success.
Parents, Lead by Example
Your kids are always watching, especially when it comes to handling stress. If you’re frazzled and out of sync, they pick up on that energy. Learning to self-regulate as a parent helps create a “regulated flow” at home. This is especially crucial during those messy middle school years, when hormones and emotions are all over the place.
Share the Love, Spread the Understanding
At the end of the day, this episode is all about shifting from judgment to understanding—both of ourselves and our children. If you find these ideas helpful, don’t keep them to yourself. Share the podcast with other parents, teachers, or caregivers who might need a fresh perspective. And if you’re curious to learn more, I offer free consultations—just check the show notes for details.
By looking at parenting and education through the lens of epigenetics, we realize that every child, every family, and every situation is unique. Instead of trying to force a “one-size-fits-all” approach, we can lean into our individuality. When we do, we create spaces where everyone—kids and parents alike—can truly thrive.
Learn more about Family Well-Being Coach Lisa Walton:
Lisa is an engineering misfit turned rollerblading yogaholic and behaviour alchemist. With the nervous system, epigenetic science and interpersonal neurobiology at the heart of her mission, Lisa is dedicated to partnering with families and educators to truly understand children and decode the meaning behind their behaviours.
As a mum of two, a wife, and a Family Well-being Coach, Lisa is the energetic passion behind The Dancing Bee Institute. Her lived experiences with mental health challenges and neurodivergent diagnoses have deeply shaped her work, specialising in holistic support for families navigating PANS/PANDAS. Lisa sees herself as a ‘Behavior Interpreter,’ believing that behaviours aren’t simply ‘good’ or ‘bad’—they are the wise and brilliant ways children communicate their needs and feelings, reflecting how their unique body and mind respond to the world.
Lisa integrates multi-disciplinary coaching techniques with insights from epigenetics and interpersonal neurobiology to decipher children’s behaviour. Her approach uncovers each child’s unique needs, emotions, and the environmental adjustments required for them to feel fulfilled, understood and happy.