Podcasts · Kids & Family · Health & Fitness

Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More

Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge

300 episodes

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.

More about the show

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…

Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. Why School Quietly Fills Your Child’s Stress Cup (And Most Adults Miss It) | Emotional Dysregulation | E407

    · 16 min · Episode 407

    Ever wonder why your child melts down after a “good” day? Understanding why school quietly fills your child’s stress cup reveals how hidden stress builds all day. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First…

  2. The Emotional Side of ADHD and Neurodivergence No One Talks About | Emotional Dysregulation | E406

    · 22 min · Episode 406

    The emotional side of ADHD and neurodivergence often shows up as shame, not behavior. Constant correction can quietly erode confidence and motivation. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™,…

  3. The Hidden Stressors Filling Your Child’s Stress Cup (That Trigger Meltdowns) | Emotional Dysregulation | E405

    · 17 min · Episode 405

    The hidden stressors filling your child’s stress cup that trigger meltdowns often build quietly, leaving parents confused by sudden outbursts. Learn what’s really driving behavior and how to respond. With Dr. Roseann…

  4. Parenting Burnout and Dysregulation: The Co-Dysregulation Cycle No One Talks About | Co-Regulation | E404

    · 18 min · Episode 404

    Ever wonder why staying calm feels impossible in tough moments? The Co-Dysregulation Cycle fuels burnout and emotional overload. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, shows how calming your…

  5. The Stress Cup Parents Can’t See: Why Kids Suddenly Melt Down | Emotional Dysregulation | E403

    · 14 min · Episode 403

    Why kids suddenly melt down isn’t about the moment—it’s about hidden stress building all day. Learn how the “stress cup” explains big reactions and what your child really needs. With Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert…

  6. Why Reassurance Backfires and Leads to Worse Behavior (and More Nervous System Dysregulation) | Regulation First Parenting™ l E402

    · 20 min · Episode 402

    Stuck in endless reassurance loops? Understanding why reassurance backfires and leads to worse behavior and more nervous system dysregulation helps you shift from short-term relief to real calm. Dr. Roseann…

  7. Is Your Child Addicted to Video Games? The 4 Warning Signs l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E401

    · 15 min · Episode 401

    Is your child addicted to video games or just overwhelmed? When screens trigger big reactions, it’s often a dysregulated nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps parents…

  8. It’s Not Just Stress (How Trauma and Your Gut Keep You Stuck) with Cynthia Thurlow | Emotional Dysregulation | E400

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 400

    Still feeling stuck despite doing all the right things? Discover how trauma and your gut keep you stuck in stress mode—and what your body needs to heal. With Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First…

  9. When Calm Words Don’t Work: What the Nervous System Is Trying to Tell You | Nervous System Strategies l E399

    · 13 min · Episode 399

    When calm words don’t work, many parents feel stuck as their child escalates despite every effort to stay calm. This episode explains what the nervous system is signaling and how to respond effectively. Featuring…

  10. Why Your Child Can’t Stop and Think (Even When They Want To) l Nervous System Strategies l E398

    · 9:18 · Episode 398

    Wondering why your child can’t stop and think even when they want to? It’s not defiance—it’s a dysregulated brain under stress. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps parents understand…

  11. Is Your 'Difficult' Child Actually Highly Sensitive? The Hidden Truth Behind Their Intense Emotions l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E397

    · 14 min · Episode 397

    Parents often wonder whether their difficult child is actually highly sensitive when big emotions feel constant and overwhelming. These emotions may reflect a sensitive nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge,…

  12. Emotional Dysregulation in Kids: The Nervous System Signs You Might Be Misreading l Nervous System Strategies l E396

    · 17 min · Episode 396

    When big reactions or shutdowns take over, it may be more than behavior—emotional dysregulation in kids often starts in the nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps…

  13. Why Smart Kids Struggle So Much With School l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E395

    · 30 min · Episode 395

    Ever wonder why smart kids struggle so much with school even when they clearly understand the material? When bright kids freeze, avoid homework, or fall apart under pressure, it’s often stress—not ability. Dr. Roseann…

  14. How Behavioral and Emotional Dysregulation Quietly Destroys a Child’s Confidence l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E394

    · 18 min · Episode 394

    Discover how behavioral and emotional dysregulation quietly destroys a child’s confidence, undermining self-esteem and motivation. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, guides parents with…

  15. Dysregulated vs. Regulated: What Happens When the Brain Goes Offline | Emotional Dysregulation | E393

    · 8:29 · Episode 393

    When meltdowns hit, parents often wonder what’s normal—and what happens when the brain goes offline under stress. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™ and childhood…

  16. The Hidden Sensory Triggers Behind Your Child’s Big Reactions, Meltdowns and Irritability l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E392

    · 16 min · Episode 392

    Discover how hidden sensory triggers behind your child’s big reactions, meltdowns and irritability can quietly overwhelm their nervous system, turning everyday moments into chaos. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in…

  17. Why Your Child’s Mood Swings Aren’t Just “Attitude” (and When to Worry) l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E391

    · 18 min · Episode 391

    If your child flips from calm to furious in seconds, you may wonder why your child's mood swings aren't just attitude and when to worry. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, founder of Regulation First…

  18. Breaking the Cycle: How to Stop Reacting Like Your Parents Did l Regulation First Parenting™ l E390

    · 16 min · Episode 390

    You swore you’d parent differently—so why does your mother’s voice slip out in hard moments? In this episode on how to stop reacting like your parents did, you’ll learn how calming your nervous system breaks…

  19. 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

    · 18 min · Episode 389

    Overwhelmed by your kid's meltdowns, tantrums and big reactions? When outbursts keep repeating, it’s not bad parenting—it’s a stressed nervous system. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation…

  20. What’s Really Driving Your Dysregulated Child’s Meltdowns, Anxiety, and Focus Struggles l Regulation First Parenting™ l E388

    · 32 min · Episode 388

    Struggling to understand your child’s ups and downs? This episode uncovers what’s really driving your dysregulated child’s meltdowns, anxiety, and focus struggles, giving parents clear insight and tools from Dr.…

  21. Before Another Diagnosis or Pill: See What’s Really Happening in Your Dysregulated Child’s Brain l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E387

    · 27 min · Episode 387

    Before another diagnosis or pill, pause and see what’s really happening in your dysregulated child’s brain. Meltdowns, anxiety, and focus struggles are signals—not flaws. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, founder of…

  22. 5 Secret Micro Habits That Build Self Control in Kids | Nervous System Strategies | E386

    · 15 min · Episode 386

    Struggling with impulsive behaviors and meltdowns? Discover the 5 secret micro habits that build self control in kids and how small daily shifts strengthen executive functioning and emotional regulation. With expertise…

  23. Could a Gene Be Amplifying ADHD, Anxiety, and Dysregulation? | Emotional Dysregulation | E385

    · 12 min · Episode 385

    Wondering why your child struggles with focus, mood, or emotional outbursts? Could a gene be amplifying ADHD, anxiety, and dysregulation, increasing stress sensitivity? Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation…

  24. 5 Hidden Ways Your Child's Meltdowns and Mood Swings Connect to Mental Health Struggles | Emotional Dysregulation | E384

    · 20 min · Episode 384

    Meltdowns and mood swings aren’t random—they’re signals from a stressed nervous system. This episode reveals 5 hidden ways your child’s meltdowns and mood swings connect to mental health struggles, often long before a…

  25. How to Help Siblings Get Along (When One Is Dysregulated) | Co-Regulation | E383

    · 13 min · Episode 383

    Struggling with constant sibling fights? Learn how to help siblings get along when one is dysregulated as Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, shares practical strategies to calm nervous…

  26. Device Dysregulation™: The Surprising Way Screens Rewire Your Child's Brain | Emotional Dysregulation | E382

    · 24 min · Episode 382

    Device Dysregulation™ can leave children overstimulated, anxious, and struggling to calm their brains after screen use. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, explains how…

  27. Meltdowns, Mood Swings, and the Nervous System No One Is Talking About | Regulation First Parenting | E381

    · 21 min · Episode 381

    Meltdowns and mood swings can leave parents feeling stuck and overwhelmed. This episode unpacks meltdowns, mood swings, and the nervous system no one is talking about, showing why behavior escalates. Dr. Roseann…

  28. What If Your Child Isn't Lazy at All? Why Smart Kids Struggle | Emotional Dysregulation | E380

    · 15 min · Episode 380

    If your bright child avoids tasks or seems unmotivated, it’s not laziness. Why smart kids struggle often comes down to a dysregulated nervous system and executive functioning challenges. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge,…

  29. Why "No!" Becomes Your Child's Default Response | Regulation-First Parenting | E379

    · 15 min · Episode 379

    Ever wonder why no becomes your child's default response? It’s rarely defiance—often, it’s their nervous system seeking safety. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™,…

  30. Why So Many Kids Are Anxious, Overstimulated, and Burned Out — A Quantum Biology Explanation with Dr. Catherine Clinton | Emotional Dysregulation | E378

    · 41 min · Episode 378

    Discover why so many kids are anxious, overstimulated, and burned out through a quantum biology lens with Dr. Catherine Clinton. Learn practical insights to support emotional regulation, guided by Dr. Roseann…

  31. How to Get Your Child to Cooperate WITHOUT a Fight | Co-Regulation | E377

    · 14 min · Episode 377

    If every simple request turns into a power struggle, you’re not alone. How to Get Your Child to Cooperate WITHOUT a Fight reveals why cooperation starts in the nervous system—not willpower. Guided by Dr. Roseann…

  32. What I See Inside Every “Defiant” Kid’s Brain Map | Emotional Dysregulation | E376

    · 18 min · Episode 376

    Discover what I see inside every “defiant” kid’s brain map—revealing that oppositional behavior isn’t defiance but a dysregulated brain signaling stress. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First…

  33. The Disrespect Epidemic: Why Kids Are Ruder Than Ever and What to Do | Regulation-First Parenting | E375

    · 18 min · Episode 375

    Kids today seem sharper, quicker to snap, and harder to parent—and it’s leaving many families exhausted. In this episode, we explore The Disrespect Epidemic: Why Kids Are Ruder Than Ever and What to Do with Dr. Roseann…

  34. Is Over-Scheduling Hurting Your Child’s Nervous System? | Emotional Dysregulation | E374

    · 13 min · Episode 374

    Is your child melting down despite a full schedule? Is over-scheduling hurting your child's nervous system? This episode reveals how too much activity dysregulates kids—and how less can bring calm. Dr. Roseann…

  35. The #1 Reason Your Kid Doesn’t Listen (It’s Not What You Think) | Emotional Dysregulation | E373

    · 13 min · Episode 373

    The #1 reason your kid doesn’t listen isn’t defiance or attitude—it’s brain state. This episode reveals why listening shuts down during dysregulation and how calming the nervous system restores connection, guided by…

  36. The Executive Function Trap: When Smart Kids Can’t Start | Emotional Dysregulation | E372

    · 15 min · Episode 372

    Why can smart kids explain everything yet can’t get started? The Executive Function Trap reveals how dysregulated brains block task initiation. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation First Parenting™, helps…

  37. You’ve Tried Everything… Here’s Why Your Child Still Struggles | Emotional Dysregulation | E371

    · 14 min · Episode 371

    If you’re exhausted and wondering Why Your Child Still Struggles despite trying everything, this episode explains what’s really going on. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, founder of Regulation First Parenting™, reveals how…

  38. 370: Which Therapeutic Diet Really Helps Neurodivergent Kids? GFCF, Keto, Paleo & More Explained with Julie Matthews

    · 51 min · Episode 370

    Confused about diets for neurodivergent kids? In this episode, we answer Which Therapeutic Diet Helps Neurodivergent Kids, breaking down GFCF, keto, paleo, and more with Julie Matthews—guided by Dr. Roseann…

  39. 369: The Real Reason You’re Stuck in Power Struggles (No One Talks About This)

    · 24 min · Episode 369

    Discover the real reason you’re stuck in power struggles with your child and why discipline often fails. I’ll show you how understanding your child’s nervous system transforms conflict into calm, using my Regulation…

  40. 368: You Can’t Regulate a Child With an Unregulated Nervous System: Are you Stuck in Co-Dysregulation?

    · 11 min · Episode 368

    Are you stuck in co-dysregulation? When your child’s nervous system spikes, yours can too—creating a cycle of stress and overwhelm. In this episode, I share Regulation First Parenting™ strategies to calm both you and…

  41. The 4 Calming Phrases Parents Say Changed Everything | Co-Regulation Parenting | E367

    · 9:55 · Episode 367

    Calming phrases can change everything when your child is overwhelmed, melting down, or stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. In this episode, I break down the 4 calming phrases parents say that help a dysregulated child…

  42. When the Sun Goes Down, the Meltdowns Begin—Here’s Why | Emotional Dysregulation in Children | E366

    · 15 min · Episode 366

    Nighttime meltdowns can leave parents feeling exhausted and confused, especially when their child seemed calm all day. In this episode, I explain why nighttime meltdowns happen when the nervous system finally exhales…

  43. The Real Reason Your Child Is Struggling in School (and How to Fix It at Every Age) | Emotional Dysregulation in Children | E365

    · 20 min · Episode 365

    Struggling in school doesn't always mean a child is lazy, unmotivated, or not trying hard enough. In this episode, I explain why struggling in school is often connected to nervous system dysregulation and how…

  44. 364: Why Your Kid’s Brain Shuts Down When Plans Change

    · 17 min · Episode 364

    Child meltdowns spike when plans change because your child’s brain feels unsafe and the nervous system goes into survival mode. I’ll guide you through Regulation First Parenting™ strategies to calm, support, and help…

  45. Is Everyday Stress Quietly Rewiring Your Child’s Brain? | Co-Regulation | E363

    · 12 min · Episode 363

    Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Is everyday stress quietly reshaping your child's brain? The connection between stress and the brain is more powerful than most parents realize. Repeated stress can affect emotional…

  46. 362: Why Therapy Isn’t Working: The Hidden Power of Neurofeedback for Dysregulation

    · 28 min · Episode 362

    If you’ve spent months—or years—in therapy and your child is still melting down, avoiding schoolwork, or unable to calm their body, you are not alone. And it’s not because the therapy is “bad” or you’re doing anything…

  47. 361: Inside the Dysregulated and Distracted Brain: What a QEEG Map Reveals That Teachers and Doctors Miss

    · 33 min · Episode 361

    If you’ve ever wished you could peek inside your child’s brain during a meltdown or when they completely shut down, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving into QEEG brain maps—one of the most powerful, yet most…

  48. Minerals, Mitochondria, and Meltdowns: The Overlooked Link with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Regulation First Parenting™ | E360

    · 51 min · Episode 360

    Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes When your child goes from calm to chaos in seconds, it can feel confusing and exhausting. Many parents focus on behavior, but the real issue may be happening much deeper. The…

  49. Hidden Clues about Emotional Dysregulation in Tweens | Regulation First Parenting™ | E359

    · 12 min · Episode 359

    Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Parenting a tween or teen who swings from calm to chaos in seconds can leave you feeling exhausted and confused. One minute they're fine, and the next they're slamming doors, shutting…

  50. The Surprising Fix for Oppositional Behavior (3 Steps Parents Can Use Today) | Regulation First Parenting™ | E358

    · 13 min · Episode 358

    Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes When every request turns into a battle, it's easy to believe your child is being intentionally difficult. But most oppositional behavior isn't about disrespect or manipulation. In…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.