Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More
Kids & Family
About
Are you tired of the daily battles, the problems with listening and focus, meltdowns over minor frustrations, and the constant feeling of walking on eggshells in your own home? If you're a parent who feels overwhelmed, stuck in a cycle of reactivity, and utterly exhausted from trying to manage your child's challenging behaviors, you are not alone. You've tried everything—the sticker charts, the timeouts, the endless negotiations—but nothing creates lasting change. The answer isn't more discipline. The secret is understanding the brain. Welcome to Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help, the podcast that is revolutionizing the way we parent. Hosted by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a licensed therapist, school psychologist and author with over 30 years of experience in children's mental health and recognized by Forbes as a thought leader in children's mental health, this podcast is your lifeline. Dr. Roseann pulls back the curtain on why your child or teen is struggling, whether they have a clinical diagnosis like ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, OCD, Depression, Dyslexia, Executive Functioning challenges, Lyme, or PANS/PANDAS, or are simply navigating the ups and downs of everyday life.Her revolutionary Regulation First Parenting™ approach teaches that calming the nervous system is the first step before you can connect, teach, or help your child learn. In short, actionable episodes, Dr. Roseann gives you proven tools like the CALMS Protocol™, quick nervous system reset tools and co-regulation strategies to move your child (and yourself!) from stress and reactivity to calm, connection, and resilience. You'll learn what to say and do to de-escalate meltdowns in the moment, how to build your child's emotional regulation skills, and how to improve their executive functioning and attention so they can succeed at home, at school, and in life. Imagine shifting your entire perspective from seeing "defiance" to understanding "dysregulation." Picture yourself feeling confident and equipped, knowing exactly how to respond in those tough parenting moments. This is the transformation that awaits you. Parents discover how to break free from the reactivity cycle and build a more connected, joyful family—going from helpless and frustrated to empowered and hopeful. Here's what you can expect from Dysregulated Kids: Real Solutions for Real Problems – Whether you're dealing with ADHD, anxiety, sensory overload, meltdowns, or everyday struggles, Dr. Roseann brings strategies that actually work. Science-Backed Parenting Tools – Learn how to understand your child's nervous system and apply research-driven calming strategies to create a peaceful, happy home. Practical Advice You Can Use Today – Each episode delivers focused, actionable content without the fluff—just pure wisdom you can apply to your family right away. Empowerment and Hope – Dr. Roseann blends expert knowledge with deep empathy for the challenges parents face, helping you feel confident that you can make positive change. This podcast is for parents of the "reactive" kid or the child who feels more, reacts to little things more, and just needs more from you. It's for parents of neurodivergent children or kids struggling with mental health challenges. Really this show is for all parents dealing with typical stressors who want to raise emotionally intelligent, resilient kids in a world that is more demanding and chaotic than ever. If you've seen Dr. Roseann on TV, you know she doesn't shy away from real talk about real problems. She brings that same authenticity and expertise to every episode, combining hope with science to help you calm the brain and create a happier family. Are you ready to stop just surviving and start thriving? Subscribe now and start your journey toward a calmer brain and a happier family today. For more resources, show notes, and to connect with Dr. Roseann, visit drroseann.com.
Episodes
- The Hidden Stressors Filling Your Child’s Stress Cup (That Trigger Meltdowns) | Emotional Dysregulation | E405
This episode explores the hidden stressors that contribute to children's meltdowns. It discusses how small stressors accumulate, leading to outbursts, and identifies common unseen stressors like cognitive load, sensory overload, emotional…
- Parenting Burnout and Dysregulation: The Co-Dysregulation Cycle No One Talks About | Co-Regulation | E404
This episode discusses the co-dysregulation cycle in parenting, explaining how parental and child nervous systems can become dysregulated together. It covers why parents might feel burned out and lose control, emphasizing that these reacti…
- The Stress Cup Parents Can’t See: Why Kids Suddenly Melt Down | Emotional Dysregulation | E403
This episode of Dysregulated Kids explains why children have sudden meltdowns, attributing them to hidden stress that builds throughout the day. It introduces the "stress cup" concept to illustrate how cumulative stressors lead to emotiona…
- Why Reassurance Backfires and Leads to Worse Behavior (and More Nervous System Dysregulation) | Regulation First Parenting™ l E402
This episode explores why reassuring anxious children can be counterproductive, leading to increased anxiety and dysregulation. It explains that reassurance provides temporary relief but does not address the underlying need for regulation,…
- Is Your Child Addicted to Video Games? The 4 Warning Signs l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E401
This episode explores the difference between video game addiction and emotional dysregulation in children. It discusses warning signs to look for and offers insights into why children may react strongly when gaming stops, emphasizing the r…
- It’s Not Just Stress (How Trauma and Your Gut Keep You Stuck) with Cynthia Thurlow | Emotional Dysregulation | E400
This episode features Cynthia Thurlow and discusses how trauma and gut health can contribute to persistent stress. It explores the connection between trauma, hormones, and the gut, and how the nervous system adapts to chronic stress, impac…
- When Calm Words Don’t Work: What the Nervous System Is Trying to Tell You | Nervous System Strategies l E399
This episode explores why calm words may not be effective when a child is escalating and offers strategies for effective responses. It discusses the role of the nervous system in a child's behavior during escalation.
- Why Your Child Can’t Stop and Think (Even When They Want To) l Nervous System Strategies l E398
This episode discusses why children may struggle with impulse control, attributing it to a dysregulated brain under stress rather than defiance. It explores brain-based solutions for emotional regulation and self-control, emphasizing that…
- Is Your 'Difficult' Child Actually Highly Sensitive? The Hidden Truth Behind Their Intense Emotions l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E397
This episode explores if a "difficult" child is actually highly sensitive, discussing intense emotions and emotional dysregulation. It explains how sensitive nervous systems process sensory input and emotional cues, shaping behavior.
- Emotional Dysregulation in Kids: The Nervous System Signs You Might Be Misreading l Nervous System Strategies l E396
This episode explores emotional dysregulation in children, focusing on nervous system signs that may be misinterpreted as behavioral issues. It explains how to identify early signs and implement strategies for emotional regulation and ment…
- Why Smart Kids Struggle So Much With School l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E395
This episode explores why intelligent children may struggle in school despite understanding the material, often due to emotional dysregulation and stress that impacts executive functioning skills. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge discusses how st…
- How Behavioral and Emotional Dysregulation Quietly Destroys a Child’s Confidence l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E394
This episode discusses how behavioral and emotional dysregulation can quietly undermine a child's confidence, affecting their self-esteem and motivation. It explores the reasons behind this impact and offers practical strategies for parent…
- Dysregulated vs. Regulated: What Happens When the Brain Goes Offline | Emotional Dysregulation | E393
This episode explores the difference between regulated and dysregulated behavior in children. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge explains what happens when a child's brain goes "offline" due to stress and how to help them recover and build resilien…
- The Hidden Sensory Triggers Behind Your Child’s Big Reactions, Meltdowns and Irritability l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E392
This episode discusses how hidden sensory triggers can lead to big reactions, meltdowns, and irritability in children, overwhelming their nervous systems. It explains emotional dysregulation in children and offers practical ways to prevent…
- Why Your Child’s Mood Swings Aren’t Just “Attitude” (and When to Worry) l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E391
This episode explores why children's mood swings may be more than just "attitude" and when to be concerned about emotional dysregulation. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge discusses the underlying biological factors and provides guidance on how to…
- Breaking the Cycle: How to Stop Reacting Like Your Parents Did l Regulation First Parenting™ l E390
This episode explores how to stop reacting like your parents did by understanding the role of the nervous system in generational patterns. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge discusses how calming your nervous system can lead to emotional change in…
- I Am So Overwhelmed by my Kid's Meltdowns, Tantrums and Big Reactions. How Do I get it to Stop? l Co-Regulation l E389
This episode discusses understanding and managing children's meltdowns and tantrums through co-regulation. It emphasizes calming the child's nervous system as a primary intervention.
- What’s Really Driving Your Dysregulated Child’s Meltdowns, Anxiety, and Focus Struggles l Regulation First Parenting™ l E388
This episode discusses factors contributing to meltdowns, anxiety, and focus struggles in children. It explores the concept of a stressed nervous system and its impact on a child's behavior, rather than attributing these behaviors to defia…
- Before Another Diagnosis or Pill: See What’s Really Happening in Your Dysregulated Child’s Brain l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E387
This episode discusses understanding the dysregulated child's brain before seeking another diagnosis or medication. It explores how brain patterns drive emotional dysregulation and the importance of calming the brain first for lasting chan…
- 5 Secret Micro Habits That Build Self Control in Kids | Nervous System Strategies | E386
This episode explores 5 micro habits that can help children develop self-control. It discusses how small, daily shifts can improve executive functioning and emotional regulation in kids.
- Could a Gene Be Amplifying ADHD, Anxiety, and Dysregulation? | Emotional Dysregulation | E385
This episode discusses how a gene could be amplifying ADHD, anxiety, and dysregulation in children. It covers genetic factors that influence stress sensitivity and offers insights into calming the brain.
- 5 Hidden Ways Your Child's Meltdowns and Mood Swings Connect to Mental Health Struggles | Emotional Dysregulation | E384
This episode discusses how children's meltdowns and mood swings can signal underlying mental health struggles. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge explains five nervous system signals and offers guidance on supporting regulation in children.
- How to Help Siblings Get Along (When One Is Dysregulated) | Co-Regulation | E383
This episode discusses strategies for helping siblings get along, especially when one is dysregulated. It focuses on understanding nervous system regulation, calming techniques, and supporting all children in the family.
- Device Dysregulation™: The Surprising Way Screens Rewire Your Child's Brain | Emotional Dysregulation | E382
This episode discusses Device Dysregulation™ and its impact on children's brains, emotional regulation, and behavior. It provides parents with strategies for managing screen time, setting boundaries, and helping children transition from sc…
- Meltdowns, Mood Swings, and the Nervous System No One Is Talking About | Regulation First Parenting | E381
This episode of Dysregulated Kids discusses meltdowns, mood swings, and the nervous system. It explains nervous system dysregulation and its impact on behavior, emotional regulation, and learning. The episode also explores why traditional…
- What If Your Child Isn't Lazy at All? Why Smart Kids Struggle | Emotional Dysregulation | E380
This episode of Dysregulated Kids discusses why smart kids may struggle with tasks and motivation, often due to emotional dysregulation and executive functioning challenges. It offers strategies to support regulation, executive functioning…
- Why "No!" Becomes Your Child's Default Response | Regulation-First Parenting | E379
This episode of Dysregulated Kids explains why "no" becomes a child's default response, often due to their nervous system seeking safety rather than defiance. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge discusses how to understand and respond to these stres…
- Why So Many Kids Are Anxious, Overstimulated, and Burned Out — A Quantum Biology Explanation with Dr. Catherine Clinton | Emotional Dysregulation | E378
Dr. Catherine Clinton discusses why many children are anxious, overstimulated, and burned out, offering a quantum biology perspective. The episode explains how energy from light, sound, and electromagnetic fields impacts children's mood, f…
- How to Get Your Child to Cooperate WITHOUT a Fight | Co-Regulation | E377
This episode of Dysregulated Kids discusses cooperation in children, focusing on the role of the nervous system. It explores reasons for a child's resistance and provides strategies for co-regulation and communication to foster cooperation.
- What I See Inside Every “Defiant” Kid’s Brain Map | Emotional Dysregulation | E376
This episode explores how oppositional behavior in children is a sign of a dysregulated brain. It discusses how brain patterns drive defiance, the importance of regulation before discipline, and strategies to help children manage emotions…
- The Disrespect Epidemic: Why Kids Are Ruder Than Ever and What to Do | Regulation-First Parenting | E375
This episode explores the concept of the "disrespect epidemic" in children, suggesting that behaviors often perceived as rudeness are rooted in emotional dysregulation. It discusses how calming the brain can help restore respect and connec…
- Is Over-Scheduling Hurting Your Child’s Nervous System? | Emotional Dysregulation | E374
This episode discusses how over-scheduling can negatively impact a child’s nervous system, leading to emotional dysregulation. It explores why children might melt down despite a full schedule and the importance of downtime for their well-b…
- The #1 Reason Your Kid Doesn’t Listen (It’s Not What You Think) | Emotional Dysregulation | E373
This episode explains that a child's inability to listen is often due to their brain state and emotional dysregulation, rather than defiance. It highlights how understanding and addressing the nervous system's role can improve parent-child…
- The Executive Function Trap: When Smart Kids Can’t Start | Emotional Dysregulation | E372
This episode discusses why intelligent children may have difficulty starting tasks, attributing it to executive function challenges and dysregulated brains. It offers strategies for parents to help children develop executive function skill…
- You’ve Tried Everything… Here’s Why Your Child Still Struggles | Emotional Dysregulation | E371
This episode explains why children may continue to struggle with emotional dysregulation. It discusses nervous system dysregulation as a core reason, rather than parenting failure, and emphasizes the importance of calming the nervous syste…
- 370: Which Therapeutic Diet Really Helps Neurodivergent Kids? GFCF, Keto, Paleo & More Explained with Julie Matthews
This episode explores therapeutic diets for neurodivergent children, discussing options like GFCF, keto, and paleo with nutrition expert Julie Matthews. It covers how diet affects mood, focus, and behavior in children with ADHD, autism, an…
- 369: The Real Reason You’re Stuck in Power Struggles (No One Talks About This)
This episode explores the reasons behind power struggles with children and why traditional discipline methods often fail. It introduces "Regulation First Parenting™" strategies, focusing on understanding a child's nervous system to transfo…
- 368: You Can’t Regulate a Child With an Unregulated Nervous System: Are you Stuck in Co-Dysregulation?
This episode discusses co-dysregulation, explaining how a parent's and child's nervous systems can spike together, creating a cycle of stress. It introduces Regulation First Parenting strategies to help parents stay calm and assist their c…
- 367: The 4 Calming Phrases Parents Say Changed Everything
This episode discusses four calming phrases that can help parents during a child's meltdown. It explains how these simple statements can help a child's dysregulated brain return to a state of safety and connection.
- 366: When the Sun Goes Down, the Meltdowns Begin—Here’s Why
This episode explains why children may experience meltdowns when the sun goes down, attributing it to the nervous system decompressing after a day of sensory input. It offers Regulation First Parenting strategies to help children self-regu…
- 365: The Real Reason Your Child Is Struggling in School (and How to Fix It at Every Age)
This episode explores why children struggle in school, often due to a dysregulated nervous system. It introduces Regulation First Parenting™ strategies to help children focus and thrive, and offers tips for parents to support their child's…
- 364: Why Your Kid’s Brain Shuts Down When Plans Change
This episode discusses why children's brains may shut down when plans change, leading to meltdowns. It explores the role of the nervous system and offers parenting strategies to help children cope with unexpected changes and build resilien…
- 363: Is Everyday Stress Quietly Rewiring Your Child’s Brain?
This episode discusses how everyday stress can rewire a child's brain, affecting emotional regulation and leading to "overly reactive" or withdrawn behaviors. It offers practical tools and lifestyle changes to protect brain health and buil…
- 362: Why Therapy Isn’t Working: The Hidden Power of Neurofeedback for Dysregulation
This episode explores why therapy might not be working for children with dysregulation, explaining that dysregulation is biological. It discusses how neurofeedback helps train the brain to self-regulate by addressing brainwave patterns.
- 361: Inside the Dysregulated and Distracted Brain: What a QEEG Map Reveals That Teachers and Doctors Miss
This episode discusses how QEEG brain maps can provide a deeper understanding of dysregulation, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. It explains how QEEG reveals brain patterns that can be missed by conventional diagnostic methods, offer…
- 360: Minerals, Mitochondria, and Meltdowns: The Overlooked Link with Dr. Aaron Hartman
This episode features Dr. Aaron Hartman discussing the connection between minerals, mitochondria, and meltdowns in children. The discussion explores how nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation contribute to a child's emotional…
- 359: Before the Emotional Blow-Up: Hidden Clues Your Kid's Nervous System Is in Trouble
This episode explores hidden clues that indicate a child's nervous system is in distress, leading to emotional blow-ups. It discusses overreactions, difficulty calming down, and warning signs like shutting down or withdrawing. The episode…
- 358: The Surprising Fix for Oppositional Behavior (3 Steps Parents Can Use Today)
This episode discusses oppositional behavior in children, explaining it as a stress response from a dysregulated nervous system rather than disrespect. It offers three regulation steps for parents to help their children feel safe and coope…
- 357: Your Child's Meltdown Triggered Your Meltdown—Now What?
This episode discusses how a child's meltdown can trigger a parent's meltdown and offers strategies to manage these situations. It explains why parental nervous systems become overwhelmed and suggests methods for parents to calm themselves…
- 356: Why Your Child Freaks Out Over the Smallest Things
This episode explains why children may react intensely to minor issues, introducing the 'stress cup' concept. It explores how daily stressors accumulate, leading to emotional dysregulation, and offers strategies for parents to help their c…