The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

Ep. 222: Lying, Stealing, Regression & Baby Talk

Robyn Gobbel


Why do kids sometimes - or a lot of the time! - suddenly act much younger…or sneakier?! In this episode, we use Dr. Bruce Perry’s concept of state-dependent functioning to reframe some of the baffling behaviors as signs of stress, not signs of defiance.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, join us over in The Club. In June 2025, we’re having a masterclass all about behaviors and state dependent functioning- complete with a brand-new illustrated resource. If you’re hearing this episode in the future, the masterclass is stored in our on-demand video library and can still be accessed!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why regression and baby talk are symptoms of a nervous system in distress 
  • How lying and stealing are driven by survival states
  • What it means when your child’s sense of time collapses and they can’t think about future consequences


Resources mentioned in this podcast:



Read the full transcript at: 
RobynGobbel.com/babytalk

Teaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!

Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrain

You'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.

Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!

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Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/book

Join us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClub

Apply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/Immersion

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Over on my website you can find:
Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)
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LOTS & LOTS of FREE Resources
Ongoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The Club
Year-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)