347: The Real Reason Transitions Are So Hard For Your Child
Leaving the house, turning off the tablet, starting homework—why does something so small spark such big meltdowns? If you’re exhausted from what feels like Groundhog’s Day every morning, afternoon, and bedtime, you’re not alone.Here’s the truth: it’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And once you understand the real reason transitions are so hard for your child, you can begin shifting from constant battles to calmer, smoother days.In this episode, I explain the brain science behind transition struggles, why many children fight tooth and nail against even non-preferred activities, and practical steps you can use to make transitions easier at home, school, or even heading to dance class.Why does my child melt down during transition time?Many parents are shocked by how strongly their kids react when asked to switch from one activity to another. But the root cause isn’t stubbornness—it’s biology.During transition time, the brain has to “shift gears.” For a dysregulated child, this is exhausting and overwhelming.The brain’s CEO (prefrontal cortex) goes offline under stress, making switching tasks harder.Kids with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities struggle more because flexibility takes extra energy.Triggers like hunger, fatigue, and sensory overload often go unnoticed but make transitions harder.Behavior is communication. When your child melts down at the moment of change, they’re really saying, “This is too much for me right now.”What are the hidden triggers that make transitions harder?One mom reported that mornings before school felt like a war zone. Her son ended up in tears on the floor while the family scrambled to get him out the door. Sound familiar?Here are the triggers many parents miss:Unpredictable routines – Sudden schedule shifts cause anxiety.Demands that feel rushed or critical – Even a few minutes earlier than expected can trigger stress.Overstimulation from screens – Coming off the computer or tablet without a reset makes kids crash.Emotional load – Stress at home (like divorce or conflict) amplifies reactivity.Think of yourself as a dysregulation detective. Instead of asking, “Why won’t they just listen?” ask, “What’s the root cause of this reaction?”If you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling like nothing works…Get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit and finally learn what to say and do in the heat of the moment.Become an Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and take the first step to a calmer home.How can I make transitions easier for my child?Good news: with a few practical steps, you can shift from chaos to calm. These small adjustments work whether it’s bedtime, leaving the house, or starting a non-preferred activity like homework.Preview and prepare – Give 5-minute warnings with visual timers. Kids need predictability.Co-regulate first – Let’s calm the brain first. Sit together, breathe, squeeze a hand, or offer water. Your calmness teaches their nervous system safety.Build in micro resets – A stretch, a sip of water, or movement helps kids reset between activities.Offer limited choices – “Do you want to walk or skip to the car?” reduces resistance while giving healthy control.Practice when calm – Rehearse routines during low-stress moments. Like a learning curve in gymnastics class, repetition builds new brain...
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346: How to Stay Calm When Your Kid Isn’t: Co-Regulation Parenting 101
Some days it feels like your child’s big emotions are just too much—and your own stress boils over too. You’re not failing as a parent. What’s happening is called co-dysregulation—two nervous systems stuck in survival mode together.This episode matters because when kids struggle to regulate emotions, they rely on your calming presence to learn how to do it. When you practice co-regulation parenting, you’re not just stopping meltdowns—you’re teaching your child lifelong emotional skills for resilience and self regulation.In this episode, you’ll learn:What co regulation really means (and what it isn’t)Why kids mirror your nervous system—even without wordsPractical ways to pause, reset, and co regulate in difficult momentsWhy does my child’s meltdown make me lose it too?When your child is in distress, your nervous system naturally reacts. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you weren’t modeled healthy emotional regulation growing up.It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. Your child’s cues trigger your own stress responses.Mirror neurons mean your child learns to regulate emotions by watching you.Chronic stress, fatigue, and past trauma can intensify your reaction.Staying calm doesn’t come naturally—it’s a skill you practice over time, not perfection.When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless.The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control.Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.How can I stay calm when my child has big emotions?Your child learns best when you co-regulate in the moment. Instead of reacting, you anchor their storm with your calm.Pause before reacting. Take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, soften your facial expressions.Name what’s happening. Try phrases like, “I see you’re having a hard time. I’m here for you.”Offer gentle structure. Calm tone, clear expectations, and consistent limits help children feel safe.Practice self care. You can’t be a calming presence if you’re running on empty.Parent Tip: Kids don’t just “catch” calm—they learn it through your regulated presence.Want proven tools to stop meltdowns before they spiral? Quick Calm gives you step-by-step strategies to help your child reset their brain and bring calm back into your home.What are examples of co-regulation strategies I can use today?Co-regulation parenting isn’t about rescuing or fixing—it’s about providing structure and emotional support during tough moments.Slow breathing together. Invite your child to take deep breaths with you.Grounding through touch. A gentle touch or steady eye contact signals safety.Model naming emotions. Say, “I feel frustrated, so I’m taking a deep breath.”Practice in calm times. Just like athletes train before the big game, kids benefit from practicing coping strategies when things are calm.Remember: A supportive environment helps children develop new skills for handling intense emotions.What if my child never seems to calm down?When children stay stuck in dysregulation, it can feel hopeless. But research suggests that consistent co-regulation...
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345: After-School Restraint Collapse: What Teachers Don’t See (But You Do)
You hold it together all day at work, only to walk in the door and snap at the first person you see. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what your child is experiencing when they come home from school—and you’re not alone in wondering what on earth is happening.After-school restraint collapse is real. Many parents feel overwhelmed when their child holds it together for teachers, only to unravel at home. In this episode, I explain why this happens and share practical steps so you can help your child regulate, reset, and reconnect after a long day.Why does my child melt down after school?What looks like defiance or disrespect is really your child’s nervous system waving the white flag. After a long school day filled with demands, noise, and social stress, many kids come home emotionally depleted.It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. Your child held it together in class, but once they feel safe at home, the emotional floodgates open. This isn’t rebellion—it’s release.Here’s what’s really happening behind those after-school meltdowns:Kids mask stress at school and let it out at home where it feels safe.Common triggers include: sensory overload, skipped meals, transitions, and sheer fatigue.Behavior is communication. Tears, shutdowns, or outbursts signal that your child’s nervous system needs recovery—not punishment.When parents reframe restraint collapse as a call for regulation, it shifts everything.🗣️ “Instead of feeling frustrated or questioning your parenting, you can focus on helping your child reset. And that’s where real change begins.” – Dr. RoseannHow can I help my child calm down after a long school day?Before homework, before chores, before questions—your child needs decompression time. Think of it as their reset button.Create a calm landing zone. A dim room, quiet time, or cozy corner gives kids space to exhale.Co-regulate first. A soft voice, gentle breath, or even silence helps send the message: You’re safe now.Offer a healthy snack. Protein and complex carbs stabilize blood sugar and energy.Delay tasks. Regulate first, then tackle homework or family responsibilities.When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless.The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control.Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.What are the best after-school routines for emotional regulation?Every child is different, but all kids benefit from structure. A predictable routine helps prevent restraint collapse and supports your child’s emotional well-being.Build in movement. A walk, trampoline, or dance session resets the brain and body.Mix in play and connection. Even 10 minutes of relaxed play or conversation signals, I see you.Offer simple choices. Ask, “Do you want music or quiet?” “Snack now or later?” Giving small control reduces frustration.Avoid devices right away. Screen time may feel like a shortcut to calm, but it pulls kids further from emotional regulation.How do I know if my child’s after-school meltdowns need professional help?Some kids bounce back with consistent routines, but for others, restraint collapse is a clue their nervous system needs more...
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344: Regulation First Parenting: The Secret Every Stressed Parent Needs to Hear
Parenting a dysregulated child can leave you drained and second-guessing yourself. You try connecting, you set boundaries—yet the meltdowns, backtalk, and big emotions just don’t stop. But here’s the truth: it’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And there is a way forward.In this episode, I’ll introduce Regulation First Parenting—a practical, science-backed approach that helps children calm their nervous systems so connection and teaching can actually stick. You’ll learn why traditional parenting advice often backfires, how co-regulation works, and what steps you can take today to bring more peace into your home.Why does my child melt down after school even when I try to connect?Many parents wonder, “Why does my child explode the minute they walk through the door?” You’re not imagining it. When kids are running on stress responses, connection without regulation falls flat. Their nervous system is in survival mode, and even the kindest validation can unintentionally make anxiety and distress worse.That’s why regulation has to come first. Until the brain is calm, your child simply can’t access learning, connection, or even your love in the way you want them to.Regulation comes before connection. A dysregulated brain can’t learn or fully receive your love and guidance.Gentle parenting without boundaries fuels dysregulation. Endless empathy without calm structure leaves kids feeling more overwhelmed.Behavior is communication. Every meltdown is your child’s nervous system saying, “I need support, not punishment.”When you shift to this Regulation First Parenting mindset, you stop spinning your wheels and begin giving your child the calm foundation they need to eventually learn self regulation skills, emotional awareness, and positive outcomes.Want to stay calm when your child pushes every button?Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit—your step-by-step guide to stop oppositional behaviors without yelling or giving in.Go to www.drroseann.com/newsletter and grab your kit today.How can I help my child regulate their emotions in difficult moments?Your child’s nervous system syncs with yours through co-regulation. When you stay calm, they can borrow your calm.Over time, this builds their ability to self regulate.Tips for practicing co regulation:Model calm stress responses. Use deep breathing, softer facial expressions, or a gentle rhythm in your voice.Pause before reacting. Even a few seconds of self reflection helps you manage your own triggers.Practice mindfulness. A deep breath or butterfly tapping resets your body so you can respond instead of react.Use the traffic light model. Using this model helps parents feel less overwhelmed because it gives you a clear roadmap for when to pause, when to support, and when to guide your child’s behavior.Red = stop talking. When your child is in full meltdown, their brain is in survival mode. This is the time to focus on your own calm, not correction.Yellow = stress is lowering. As their body begins to settle, your co-regulation helps them feel safe enough to start regaining control.Green = learning can happen. Once calm returns, your child’s prefrontal cortex is back online. This is when connection and teaching finally stick.Why do discipline and sticker charts...
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343: I Was Medicated as a Kid—Here’s What I Wish My Parents Knew With Erin Kerry
Parenting a child in emotional pain is exhausting — you’re not imagining it. You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Kerry, where we dig into a woman’s experience of misdiagnosis, heavy psychiatric medication, and the healing path she found beyond labels.Why this matters: Too often medication is the first line of defense for children and adolescents. Erin’s story shows how medical history, toxins, infections, and trauma can masquerade as psychiatric disorders — and why a comprehensive treatment plan matters for your child’s life and daily functioning.What you’ll learn: signs that behavior may be nervous-system driven, real risks of early psychotropic medication (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), when to seek second opinions, and alternatives that helped Erin recover.Why does my child have sudden mood swings — could it be bipolar or something else?Look beyond labels. Sudden shifts can come from infections, toxin exposure, PTSD, or PANS/PANDAS as well as bipolar disorder. It’s scary when your child seems ‘possessed’ or out of control.Takeaway: Ask about medical triggers (ear infections, mold, immune issues) before assuming a lifelong psychiatric diagnosis.Parent Tip: Request a full medical review from your child’s doctor and consider immune or toxin screening.You don’t have to figure this out alone.Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit: How to Stay Calm When Your Child Pushes Your Buttons and Stop Oppositional Behaviors.Head to www.drroseann.com/newsletter and start your calm parenting journey today.How risky is starting antidepressants or other psychiatric medication for kids?When it comes to childhood mental health medication, it’s important for parents to know the meds. While SSRIs and other prescriptions can be helpful, in adolescents they may sometimes increase the risk of depression or self-harm.Erin shared how her own child worsened after starting Zoloft, later being prescribed heavy drugs like Depakote, lithium, and Seroquel. The experience was devastating for her family and highlights why medication isn’t always the right first step.Parents should always weigh the risks, monitor mood closely, and insist on a clear treatment plan with ongoing follow-up.Parent tips for navigating childhood mental health medication:Get informed about side effects, drug interactions, and dosage.Ask for the lowest effective dose.Request frequent reassessments and clear communication from providers.How can I help my child without making medication the first move?When considering childhood mental health medication, it’s essential to start with nervous-system care. Let’s calm the brain first by looking at foundational areas like sleep, gut and immune health, trauma processing, and classroom accommodations before jumping straight to pills. Addressing these whole-child needs often creates meaningful progress without immediately turning to medication.Key takeaway: Behavior is communication. By addressing the medical, nutritional, emotional, and environmental factors, you support true healing instead of just managing symptoms.Parent tip: Try a multi-disciplinary team for the best results. This may include:A pediatrician for medical oversightChild psychiatrists for second opinionsTherapists for emotional support and trauma processingSchool staff to provide classroom accommodationsWhen should I...
About Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More
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.
Listen to Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More, The School of Greatness and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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