Podcasts about dysregulation

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "If my child could just [insert the daily task that often ends in a meltdown], I'd feel like I won the lottery"? It can feel silly to celebrate those moments when they finally happen,  but they're actually signs of something much bigger.In this episode, Emily gets real and shares part of her own story growing up in a home with emotional chaos. She promised herself that when she was a mom, her family would be different. (Sound familiar?) Then one day, she was faced with the reality that her kids were scared of how she reacted when they really just needed her support. That's when she had to make a choice.What you'll take away:Why those "small" emotional regulation wins are actually monumental and what they're really evidence ofWhy willpower alone doesn't work for neurodivergent brainsHow to keep going when therapy, OT, or past approaches have only "helped some"Why emotional regulation is a lifelong journey, not a finish line Join the FREE class for parents: Emotional Regulation for Neurodivergent Kids https://emily-hamblin.com/classConnect with Emily on Instagram: https://instagram.com/emilyhamblincoaching

You may have heard a lot about nervous system regulation and its role in helping you prevent emotional and behavioral chaos while finding inner peace. You may even have tried some tools to reduce stress and create more internal calm but didn't find much lasting relief. In truth, it can take a lot of practice to rewire our bodies and brains in lasting ways, especially when negative patterns have been in play for years or decades. Yet because dysregulation is at the root of many issues from mood disorders to chronic anxiety, any shifts we make for the better can also benefit our partners, children, and families. Today, we're joined by a leading expert, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, who will guide us on the path of lasting change and healing. Dr. Roseann is a leading expert in emotional and behavioral dysregulation and creator of e CALMS Dysregulation Protocol and Regulation First Parenting.Topics discussed include trauma, healing, mental health, anxiety, ADHD, neurotypical, neurodivergent, kinesthetic learning, nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, breathwork, meditation, parenting, children, family, intergenerational patterns, generational emotional wealth, and positive reinforcement.Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Details: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationshipsConnect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_loveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly Aging Joyfully: A Woman's Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:Etsy AmazonConnect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge:Website: www.drroseann.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroseann/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRoseannCapannaHodge/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalparentingsolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrRoseannPodcast: www.drroseann.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanncapannahodge/Dysregulated Kids: https://dysregulatedkid.com/Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/

When sunny summer days come around, it makes some dermatologists shudder. They would prefer we behave like bats and hide in caves until nightfall. Failing that, they stress the importance of always applying (and re-applying) high SPF sunscreen, wearing sun-blocking clothing with long sleeves and keeping a big-brimmed hat firmly on the head. A beekeeper's outfit might be perfect. But must you really shun the sun completely to save your skin? Our guest describes how to practice moderation safely. He also explains why some people are addicted to sunshine, while others are allergic to it. At The People's Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up to date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment. How You Can Listen You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, July 11, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can't listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on July 13, 2026. Can You Really Be Addicted to Sunlight? Dermatologists do their best to discourage people from using tanning beds. They describe the damage that ultraviolet light can cause, ranging from wrinkles to skin cancer. For some people, though, those arguments just don't make a difference. Our guest, Dr. Steve Feldman, conducted a study several years ago. The volunteers were accustomed to using tanning beds. In the study, there were two beds, one with the usual ultraviolet light and the other, identical in appearance and temperature, had its UV blocked. After a session in each bed, volunteers were allowed to choose their bed for the last session. They almost invariably chose the bed with the active UV. To follow up, the researchers administered naltrexone, the opioid-blocking medication. When volunteers had taken it, they were no longer able to distinguish which bed was active. It seems that, for these people, ultraviolet light activates pro-opiomelanocortin, which in turn triggers the production of natural opioids called endorphins. Further research imaging the brain during tanning sessions confirmed that the UV exposure was activating areas of the brain associated with pleasure (Psychiatry Research. Neuroimaging, May 30, 2016).  Dr. Feldman and a colleague found that excessive indoor tanning is similar in pattern to substance use disorders (Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, May-June 2025). Can You Save Your Skin and Still Enjoy the Outdoors? Dr. Feldman offers advice on avoiding sunburn that is tempered with this fact from epidemiology: people who go out in the sun live longer (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, July 13, 2020).  The goal here is not to shun the sun completely, but rather to exercise enough caution and good judgment to avoid burning your skin. (Who wants to burn, anyway? It hurts, and it looks bad.) Timing your sun exposure carefully is crucial to save your skin from sunburn. You may also be interested in the new sunscreen ingredient the FDA just approved, bemotrizinol. What Can You Do About Heat Rash? When the weather gets hot and bodies get sweaty, heat rash becomes a common complaint. Sweaty skin may develop bumps that can sometimes be very itchy. What do you do to ease the discomfort? If you can cool the skin off, it might help a lot. Of course, people may also suffer from other types of rash. Babies get diaper rash. Women sometimes experience under-breast rash, just as men may develop jock itch. Zinc oxide ointment can often be helpful for these types of rash. Managing Psoriasis Psoriasis is one of Dr. Feldman's special research interests. The red scaly plaques of this skin condition have raised borders. They look a lot like a fungal infection, but there is no fungus present on the skin to cause them. Something else seems to trigger the skin's immune system to react along the same pathways as if there were a fungus. Most of the time, psoriasis is mild enough to manage without costly medications. It actually responds very well to ultraviolet light exposure. UV downregulates the immune system's over-response. While many dermatologists offer UV exposure within their office walls, in the summertime patients could get exposure to sunlight outdoors. This is practical if they avoid the middle of the day, when they might get burned. Another option? Tanning beds also offer an easy way to calibrate the appropriate amount of UV exposure to save your skin from psoriasis. (Most dermatologists don't approve of this one, so don't tell.) One other practical but unorthodox tip for dealing with mild psoriasis. OTC cortisone may not be strong enough to help heal up a red spot. But you could buy Flonase nasal spray or a generic version, fluticasone, over the counter. Spray it on your skin and appreciate the relief. In fact, this could work for a mild case of poison ivy or other skin irritation as well. Severe cases still need a dermatologist's care. What to Do About Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis is the medical term for eczema. People with allergies or asthma also appear to be more vulnerable to eczema. Dysregulation of the immune mediators interleukin 4 (IL4) or IL13 may be responsible. This condition may appear in a mild form, which can be readily managed, or a more severe form that might require prescription medication. A topical corticosteroid such as triamcinolone will often clear it up. Or you could try spraying on some Flonase nasal spray for a cost-effective low-key approach. Those will actually help the majority of people with mild eczema. Using mild soap rather than detergent-based body wash, moisturizing well and following an anti-inflammatory diet are the pillars of home management. People with more severe atopic dermatitis covering a large portion of the body may need powerful prescription medication rather than topical steroids. Trying to cover so much skin with steroid would probably result in side effects from the cream. Dupixent (dupilumab) is a relatively new self-injectable medication that blocks IL4 and IL13. It works well for most people with atopic dermatitis and has a good safety profile. Certain other drugs in this category, such as Skyrizi (risankizumab), are also pretty safe but very pricey. Stelara (ustekinumab), has been around longer. Biosimilars for Stelara have been approved and are more affordable. Ustekinumab blocks IL12 and IL23. TV ads tout other medicines for this condition as well. Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is three or four times more effective than Dupixent, but it is also super expensive. It is a Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is another potent prescription JAK inhibitor, but it carries an elevated risk of heart attack. Beware of Bug Bites Another summer skin hazard is bug bites. Here unquestionably the best approach to save your skin is avoidance. Appropriate clothing is key. (That beekeeper's suit will come in handy here again.) Dr. Feldman recommends spraying DEET on your pants legs, socks and sleeves rather than directly on your skin. If there are grasses or brush where you have walked, run or played, a tick check immediately upon coming inside is critical. Can AI Help Patients with Skin Problems? It doesn't make sense to tell people to stay off the internet. Some searches can be quite helpful and guide patients in asking their dermatologist the right questions. Dr. Feldman is enthusiastic about DermNet, a New Zealand dermatology website. https://dermnetnz.org  Joe and Terry recommend SkinSight. This Week’s Guest Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD, is Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, and Social Sciences & Health Policy, at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  His research has been published in over 1,000 peer reviewed, Medline-referenced articles. Expertscape.com ranks Feldman among the top experts in the world on psoriasis, acne, dermatology, and treatment adherence. Steve Feldman, MD, in Dermatology clinic, Country Club Commons Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, July 13, 2026, after broadcast on July 11. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In Episode Two of Clinical Misfits, Dr. Mary describes each of the major endocrine (hormone) systems of the body and the myriad ways that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system can affect their function, and vice versa.She explains how the communications among a person's thoughts, senses, emotions and experiences affect and are affected by a person's hormonal balance at any time. When the autonomic system is dysregulated, the endocrine systems cannot function normally. This can result in all the signs and symptom of hormone gland disease, when the glands themselves might be completely healthy.The result is true illness that cannot be identified using standard medical testing.

Wondering if it's ADHD or dysregulation behind your child's struggles? When focus, behavior, and emotions shift fast, the answer may not be what you think. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation First Parenting™, shares how understanding the brain changes everything.Feeling confused about your child's ADHD—or wondering if it's something more? You're not alone. What often looks like ADHD is actually dysregulation, and once you understand the difference, everything about your child starts to make sense.In this episode, we unpack what most parents miss: it's not just ADHD—it's a dysregulated nervous system, and when you learn to see behavior through that lens, you can finally respond with clarity and confidence.Why does my child focus on things they love but not on schoolwork?This is one of the biggest clues that we're not just looking at ADHD—we're looking at nervous system dysregulation.Your child can focus. They just can't access that focus consistently.Focus requires regulation + activationPreferred activities regulate the brain naturallyNon-preferred tasks can overwhelm or under-stimulate the systemExample: Your child builds Legos for hours but melts down over homework. That's not laziness—it's a state shift in the brain.Behavior is communication. When we decode it, everything changes.How do I know if my child is overwhelmed or under-stimulated?This is the question that shifts everything.Instead of asking, “Is this ADHD?” ask:

How women navigate careers, caregiving and the expectations that come with both. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. We begin with a question many quietly ask themselves: Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming even when everyone says it's supposed to be joyful? What happens when mum is depleted, running on empty, and yet still tries to keep going? From the hormonal and neurological changes of matrescence to the relentless mental load of caregiving, we examine why motherhood can feel so all consuming – and why so many struggle in silence. Host Vanessa Chelvan is joined by clinical psychologist Elysia Tan from Annabelle Psychology, who is navigating life with her nine-month-old daughter, and parent coach Joline Lim, co-director of Chapter Zero, who is raising two neurodivergent children. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:50 Breastfeeding: Not so ‘natural’? 9:26 Mental health professionals struggle too 10:35 Vanessa on her struggles as a new mum to twins 16:35 No shame in seeking therapy 18:50 Returning to work as a new mum never gets easier 24:42 Dysregulation and the hand model of a brain 28:25 Parenting excavates your entire childhood 31:45 Reparenting and becoming the parents we wish we had 40:38 ‘Baby steps’ – tips on letting go 42:27 Millennial parents spend more time caregiving than boomer parents 45:35 When does hard become “too hard”? Recognising when mums need help 51:34 One actionable tip for mums --- Read more: First Stop For Mental Health: https://mindline.sg/fsmh It All Starts Hear: https://www.iash.sg/ Annabelle Psychology: https://www.annabellepsychology.com/ Chapter Zero: https://www.chapterzero.org/ Host: Vanessa Chelvan (vpchelvan@sph.com.sg) Read Vanessa's articles: https://str.sg/gr5Z Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jHdJ Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Elizabeth Law — Follow The Mother Load limited series every Friday (July 3-31): Channel: https://str.sg/oMofY Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/8Kbv Spotify: https://str.sg/DELD Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg — Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch The Mother Load on Youtube: https://str.sg/HnaV --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX — Helplines: MENTAL WELL-BEING National Mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788 — #themotherloadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I am talking about how you can recognise when your nervous system is dysregulated. We tend to notice the signs that are screaming very loudly at us - panic, anxiety, larger physical issues - but can we head these crises off at the pass by recognising the signs that our nervous system is becoming gently fried a little earlier so that we don't have to reach that point before we take notice of what our body is telling us? We walk gently through the things that our mind, body and spirit will show us so that we are aware, so that we can take action, take care of ourselves and our nervous system before we are in a state of emergency. Or so that we can simply stay centred, calm and clear within the furore of our lives...You can access the Nervous System First Aid Kit here.Much loveRosanne xxIf you would like to support this podcast here is the link to do so. And this is a working link!!My website is chakra-way.com

When meltdowns hit, body reacts before mind catches up. How to Stay Calm When Your Child Is Screaming at You helps you interrupt escalation, reset nervous system, and respond with clarity. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge specializes in Regulation First Parenting™ and emotional dysregulation, offering solutions.When your child is screaming, it hits your nervous system fast—tight chest, racing heart, rising voice. You're not alone.Staying calm in that moment feels impossible, but it's not about perfection—it's about regulation.In this episode, you'll learn how to stay calm when your child is screaming at you by understanding what's really happening in the brain, why reactions escalate so quickly, and simple, doable ways to reset the moment—without power struggles or guilt.Why do I lose control when my child is screaming at me?When your child escalates, your brain reads it as a threat—not disrespect. That's biology, not bad parenting.Your nervous system mirrors intensity as a survival reflexEmotional energy gets matched, not managedStress builds quickly in both of youIt's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.Picture this: your child is yelling, “I hate you!” and within seconds, your voice is louder too. You didn't plan it—it just happened. That's co-dysregulation.What should I do in the moment instead of yelling back?Forget fixing everything. Stabilize yourself first. Let's calm the brain.Pause for 3 seconds before respondingLower your voice (even if it feels forced)Say less—zip it to avoid escalationCalm your body (drop shoulders, slow breath)You don't need perfect words—you need a regulated nervous system.Example: One mom shared that the moment she stopped explaining and simply stayed quiet and grounded, her child de-escalated faster. Less input = less fuel.Is my child trying to manipulate me when they scream?No. Behavior is communication.Your child isn't choosing chaos—they're overwhelmedTheir nervous system is pulling them out of calmThey often regret it after but can't stop in the momentThink about Marnie, a teen who went from calm to explosive in seconds. Later, she said, “I didn't mean that. I just couldn't stop myself.”That's not manipulation—that's dysregulation.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 can I break the cycle of yelling and escalation?You shift from co-dysregulation to co-regulation.Be the least intense nervous system in the roomSlow the pace of the interactionStay steady, not reactiveRepair after the moment—not during the stormYou don't have to be perfectly calm—you just have to be the calmest one there.Even one regulated adult can reset the entire environment. Like the calm teacher in a chaotic classroom—she didn't control the kids by force, she regulated the room with her presence.

Students with disabilities, parents, and teachers often must navigate barriers to learning so that the student can succeed. The additional challenge of inappropriate behavior in school creates an additional barrier, not just to the student's learning, but the entire classroom as well. With limited resources, this can be one of the biggest challenges our schools face.   Kim Kelleher, Speech Language Pathologist, brings her communication and trauma-informed experience to the THINK+change podcast this month to discuss how we can better handle behavior challenges in schools. Her analytical mind and goal-focused input gives a refreshing perspective on this difficult topic!

Your body has been talking to you your whole life. The question is whether anyone ever taught you to listen. In this episode, I want to widen the lens on how you read your own body. We have lost so much of the generational knowledge our mothers and grandmothers once passed down, and now we tend to wait until something hurts before we pay attention. But your body speaks in subtleties long before that. I share one of my great loves, Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing system I studied for three years, and its practice of observation called the eightfold examination. What fascinates me most is how closely it aligns with modern functional nutrition's Nutrition Focused Physical Exam. We walk through what your tongue, skin, hair, nails, and eyes may be reflecting about your gut health, your nutrient status, your oxidative stress, and even your blood sugar, backed by research going back nearly 80 years. Here is what matters most. This is not about self-diagnosis. None of these signs are proof of anything on their own. They are invitations to pay attention, not verdicts to fear. My hope is that noticing your body builds confidence instead of anxiety, the quiet confidence of a woman in a loving conversation with her body rather than at war with it. If you take one small thing from this episode, try this. Tomorrow morning, look at your tongue and just notice. Do it for a week. That is the practice.   Resources Mentioned: Work with Laura: https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/health  Download for iPhone:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kajabi/id1485646310 Download for Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kajabi.kajabiapp&hl=en_US Here is the link to the FREE Ayurveda Mini-Course that I talked about in this episode: https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/mybody   Here are the references: Foundational Asif T, Mohiuddin A, Hasan B, Pauly RR. Importance of Thorough Physical Examination: A Lost Art. Cureus. 2017;9(5):e1212. Newton C. The Functional Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam. IFNA Track 3 Module 2. Tongue Jeghers H. Nutrition: the appearance of the tongue as an index of nutritional deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. 1942;227:221-8. Khayamzadeh M, Najafi S, Sadrolodabaei P, Vakili F, Kharrazi Fard MJ. Determining salivary and serum levels of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 in patients with geographic tongue. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2019;13(3):221-226. Chiang CP, Chang JY, Wang YP, Wu YH, Wu YC, Sun A. Atrophic glossitis: Etiology, serum autoantibodies, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and management. J Formos Med Assoc. 2020;119(4):774-780. Skin Salem I, Ramser A, Isham N, Ghannoum MA. The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis. Front Microbiol. 2018;9:1459. Wang X, Li Y, Wu L, et al. Dysregulation of the gut-brain-skin axis and key overlapping inflammatory and immune mechanisms of psoriasis and depression. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;137:111065. Jafferany M, Franca K. Psychodermatology: Basics Concepts. Acta Derm Venereol. 2016;96(217):35-7. Reunala T, Salmi TT, Hervonen K, Kaukinen K, Collin P. Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A Common Extraintestinal Manifestation of Coeliac Disease. Nutrients. 2018;10(5):602. Stefanadi EC, Dimitrakakis G, Antoniou CK, et al. Metabolic syndrome and the skin: a more than superficial association. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2018;10:9. Hair O'Connor K, Goldberg LJ. Nutrition and hair. Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):809-818. Arck PC, Overall R, Spatz K, et al. Towards a "free radical theory of graying": melanocyte apoptosis in the aging human hair follicle is an indicator of oxidative stress induced tissue damage. FASEB J. 2006;20(9):1567-9. Zhang B, Ma S, Rachmin I, et al. Hyperactivation of sympathetic nerves drives depletion of melanocyte stem cells. Nature. 2020;577(7792):676-681. Poonia K, Bhalla M. Premature Graying of Hair: A Comprehensive Review and Recent Insights. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2024;15(5):721-731. Nails Singal A, Arora R. Nail as a window of systemic diseases. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(2):67-74. Cashman MW, Sloan SB. Nutrition and nail disease. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(4):420-5. Eyes Knapp A. The Eye as a Guide to Latent Nutritional Deficiency Diseases. Bull N Y Acad Med. 1946. Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, Tsubota K. Tearful relations: oxidative stress, inflammation and eye diseases. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2008;71(6 Suppl):72-9. Seydou A, Arnould L, Gabrielle PH, et al. Plasma Fatty Acids Pattern and Dry Eye Disease in the Elderly: The Montrachet Population-Based Study. Nutrients. 2022;14(11):2290. Bu Y, Shih KC, Tong L. The ocular surface and diabetes, the other 21st Century epidemic. Exp Eye Res. 2022;220:109099. Rahman A, Yahya K, Ahmed T, Sharif-Ul-Hasan K. Diagnostic value of tear films tests in type 2 diabetes. J Pak Med Assoc. 2007;57(12):577-81. Seifart U, Strempel I. Trockenes Auge und Diabetes mellitus [The dry eye and diabetes mellitus]. Ophthalmologe. 1994;91(2):235-9. Campagnoli LIM, Varesi A, Barbieri A, Marchesi N, Pascale A. Targeting the Gut-Eye Axis: An Emerging Strategy to Face Ocular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(17):13338. Let's Connect! If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps spread this message of hope, healing, and whole-person wellness.

If your motherhood journey is plagued with mom guilt, feelings of failure, and wishing you didn't yell at your kids (again), today's episode is for you. JoAnn Crohn is the author of The Best Mom is a Happy Mom and the founder of No Guilt Mom. She is also a parenting coach dedicated to helping overwhelmed moms create calmer, happier homes. Through practical strategies and mindset shifts, she teaches moms how to communicate better with their kids, reduce stress, and stop carrying the entire mental load alone. We chat about: The difference between mom guilt and mom shame and why you're constantly calling yourself a “bad mom” How to set healthy boundaries with your kids without the guilt The benefit of circle thinking to help you create new neural pathways (and stop yelling at your kids) using JoAnn's HAPPY framework to work through your kids' annoying behaviors! Resources Mentioned: Loving What Is by Byron Katie The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene Connect with JoAnn on her website or her podcast Check out my recent interview on JoAnn's podcast Related Episodes: Episode 112: Opt Out of Mom Guilt and Let Go of “Either/Or” Thinking - with Stephanie O'Dea Episode 161: Mom Guilt Be Gone! 5 Causes of Mom Guilt and How to Say Goodbye for Good Episode 84: Simple Techniques to Build Emotional Resilience to Combat Overwhelm and Dysregulation with Michelle Grosser from The Calm Mom Podcast *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com  Podcast -＞ https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/ Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ Get podcast playlists for decluttering mindset, tactical decluttering tips, ADHD, getting kids & family on board, and more! https://www.listennotes.com/@momsovercomingoverwhelm/playlists/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with virtual OR in-person decluttering and organization coaching (coming soon- Pittsburgh, PA)! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/workwithme

In this episode, I answer a question about working with a 7-year-old child with a profound history of neglect, abandonment, foster placements, reunification, and complex attachment trauma. Sixty-six sessions into the therapeutic process, the child continues to demonstrate significant dysregulation, attempts to flee the playroom, intense verbal aggression, and destructive behaviors. I explore why these behaviors are not signs that therapy is failing, but rather evidence of the child's desperate need for safety, control, and unconditional acceptance. I also discuss how trauma, attachment disruption, and reunification can create powerful fears of loss that naturally emerge in the playroom. I also offer practical guidance for navigating highly dysregulated sessions, including strategies for managing escape attempts, avoiding power struggles, prioritizing reflections and limit setting, and remaining grounded when external pressure pushes therapists toward more directive interventions. Most importantly, I explain why children with significant attachment wounds often "test" the therapeutic relationship—not to manipulate the therapist, but to discover whether someone will finally remain present, accepting, and trustworthy no matter how difficult things become. This episode is a reminder that some of the most challenging cases require the deepest trust in the child, the process, and the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. New Live Training Events Announced: Indiana, New Jersey & Tampa dates are locked in and registration is open for Indiana. Go to iamccpt.live for more information. New Resource for Play Therapists: The Parent Companion for Play Therapy is now available at author pricing for therapists. Created specifically to help parents better understand the child-centered play therapy process, this book is designed to support parent engagement, improve buy-in, and reduce attrition throughout the therapeutic journey. As a listener of the Play Therapy Podcast, you can order a copy for just $8 (our cost plus shipping). Click here to order your author-priced copy. ** Limit 1 per therapist, offer valid in the Continental U.S. only. Order copies for your practice and save with discounted bulk pricing. Bulk ordering makes it easy to place Parent Companion for Play Therapy directly into the hands of the parents you serve. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! Topical Playlists! All of the podcasts are now grouped into topical playlists on YouTube. Please go to https://www.youtube.com/kidcounselorbrenna/playlists to view them. If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948 Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

Anxiety frequently co-occurs with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Learn how this comorbidity compounds emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction. Credit available for this activity expires: 6/24/27 Earn Credit / Learning Objectives & Disclosures: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/clinic-managing-emotional-dysregulation-and-executive-2026a1000kog?ecd=bdc_podcast_libsyn_mscpedu

Your body can hurt in a way that is completely real while your tests still come back normal, and that gap is where so many women get dismissed and mislabeled and start doubting themselves. We talk about chronic pain, chronic illness, and psychosomatic symptoms without the insult that often comes with those words, and we name the real enemy: the belief that mind-body factors make suffering “not real.” I break down how nervous system dysregulation keeps you trapped in survival mode, with high cortisol and adrenaline shaping sleep, inflammation, gut function, headaches, fatigue, and flare ups. We connect the dots to familiar diagnoses and symptoms like migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS, POTS, and chronic back pain, and we make a key distinction: this isn't about imagining symptoms or thinking your way out of disease. It's about subconscious threat detection, meaning making, and the patterns of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn that once protected you but now keep your physiology on edge. We also get honest about why the medical system often doesn't address this, from training gaps to time and insurance constraints, and we touch the research landscape, including the ACE study and the need for stronger trials on trauma treatment and physical health outcomes. If you're ready for responsibility without blame and practical reframes that teach your body “the danger is over,” hit play. Subscribe, share with a friend who feels unseen, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway or question.I invite you to join The Ummi Collective. It is a weekly coaching program for Muslim mothers raising children on the autism spectrum.Inside, you learn how to support your child's development in a way that builds independence, confidence, and long-term success... without losing yourself in the process.Apply for a Commitment Rate todayhttps://www.islamiclifecoachschool.com/offers/RRn2EBEC/chec

If you've been asking, “Is My Child's Behavior Normal?” you're not alone. Knowing when to wait and when to act can feel overwhelming—but it starts with understanding patterns. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps you decode dysregulation with clarity and confidence.Worried and constantly Googling, “Is My Child's Behavior Normal?” You're not alone. When big reactions, meltdowns, or mood swings keep showing up, it's hard to know what's a phase—and what needs support.Here's how to read the signs and respond with confidence.Is My Child's Behavior Normal or a Sign of Something More?If you're asking this, it's not coming from curiosity—it's coming from concern. You're seeing patterns: big emotions, tough recoveries, or ups and downs that don't quite sit right.Here's the shift: Stop asking if it's “normal” and start asking what the behavior is telling you about your child's nervous system. Behavior is communication.All kids have big feelings—that's developmentPatterns tell the real story, not one-off momentsYou're not overreacting—you're noticing something importantHow Often Is Too Often for Meltdowns?Frequency matters more than labels.A meltdown once in a while? That's part of growing up. But when struggles happen daily or constantly, it's a sign the nervous system is overloaded.Occasional = expectedFrequent = a signal something needs supportLook for patterns over time, not isolated eventsOne parent shared her child melted down every night after school—it wasn't “bad behavior,” it was overwhelm spilling out.Why Does My Child Overreact to Small Things?If your child explodes over something minor, it's not about the moment—it's about capacity.Big reactions to small triggers = a stressed nervous system.Does the reaction match the situation?Are emotions escalating quickly?Does it feel bigger than it should?When the brain is dysregulated, even tiny stressors feel huge.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.Why Does It Take My Child So Long to Calm Down?Recovery is the piece most parents miss.Some kids bounce back in minutes. Others take hours—or even days. That's not defiance. That's limited regulation capacity.Long recovery = full stress cupKids can't “snap out of it” when overwhelmedRegulation skills are built—not forcedThink of it like this: if the cup is overflowing, adding one drop causes a flood.Why Is My Child Fine at School but Falls Apart at Home?This is more common than you think—and deeply misunderstood.Kids often hold it together in structured environments and release it where they feel safest—you.It's called after-school restraint collapseNot manipulation—it's nervous system depletionSafe environments = emotional releaseExample: Josh looked “fine” at school, but had daily meltdowns at home. His brain used all its energy holding it together—and had nothing left.When Should I Worry About My Child's Behavior?Here's your guide. Look at four key patterns:Frequency – Is it constant?Intensity – Does it feel extreme?Recovery – How long to bounce back?Impact – Is it affecting daily life?If you see increasing intensity, longer recovery, and growing impact, it's time to lean in—not wait it out.

This is actually a pretty wild story. During my first year in my PhD, a woman reached out to me through the contact form on my website and was like, "Hey, we're doing similar work! I would love to connect." I starred the email as something I needed to follow up on and then it got completely buried in my inbox. Then, several months later, one of my teachers emailed me and said, "Did you see this dissertation defense coming up? It is on binge eating." I immediately marked it in my calendar as something I had to attend. I arrived at the Zoom dissertation defense and as soon as I see this woman's name I was like, "Why is this person's name sound so familiar?" I sneak off into my inbox and look up her name and lo and behold, it was the same person who emailed me a few months prior. Honestly, I initially felt mortified I had not followed up with her sooner, but I immediately emailed her after the defense was over. We scheduled a Zoom chat and it was amazing how much we had in common. We come from a similar lens that binge eating recovery needs a body-based approach. It is the body and experiencing it internally and externally that is missing from most recovery modalities. In this week's episode, I chat with Dr. Kristina Dobyns, PhD, MA, Registered Somatic Movement Therapist, certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and certified Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention facilitator, about: What worked and didn't work in Kristina's binge eating recovery journeyWhat she discovered in her research on binge eatingThe importance of building somatic awareness and interoceptionThe role of sensory strategiesUtilizing nutrition as a part of binge eating recoveryChallenging conventional recovery approachesYou can also read the transcript to this week's episode ​here​: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/body-based-strategies-for-binge-eatingYou're about to receive some game changing binge eating recovery strategies and I hope it feels helpful!With Compassion and Empathy, Stephanie Mara FoxKeep in touch with Kristina here: Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comYoutube: www.BeyondBingeEating.com/@BeyondBingeEatingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/Support the showKeep in touch with Stephanie Mara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafoxWebsite: https://www.stephaniemara.com/https://www.somaticeating.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafoxContact: support@stephaniemara.comSupport the show:Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/supportAll affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resourcesReceive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARAUse my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPlSpecial thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou...

Jenna Free is a counselor specializing in ADHD regulation who discovered her own diagnosis while drowning in grad school with two babies 17 months apart. She has since developed a full certification program teaching other mental health professionals her ADHD regulation method, and she runs ADHD regulation groups for clients from her home base in Calgary, Alberta. In this episode, Jenna joined The Dad Edge Alliance for a live Q&A that goes far deeper than a typical ADHD conversation. The focus isn't the diagnosis itself — it's the nervous system, specifically how chronic fight-or-flight mode silently drives the impatience, compulsive behavior, crashes, and parenting struggles so many dads in this community experience. If you've ever wondered why you can't just logic your way into being calmer, this one's for you. Most of us assume ADHD is about the brain you were born with. Jenna reframes it completely — the real problem isn't the diagnosis, it's the dysregulated nervous system underneath it, and that part is something you can actually change. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the frantic-crash cycle, the fight-flight-freeze-fawn response, why pressure feels like performance, and what it looks like to function from a regulated baseline instead of white-knuckling through the day. This is especially powerful for any dad who has ever snapped at his kids in the morning, struggled to slow down, or quietly wondered whether go, go, go is actually working against him.   Timeline Summary [1:02] Jenna's background: how her own ADHD diagnosis in grad school — with a six-month-old and an 18-month-old at home — led her to develop the ADHD regulation method [3:24] Why calendars and timers weren't enough: the frantic-crash cycle Jenna kept seeing in herself and every client she worked with [4:13] The nervous system root cause: why almost every neurodivergent person (and most parents) is running in a chronic state of fight-or-flight [6:36] Can you think your way out of it? Jenna explains why logic alone can't calm a dysregulated nervous system [9:16] Alliance member Jason's question: where to start with regulation for yourself and how to notice when your son is sliding into dysregulation [10:06] The first practical step — learning to physically feel dysregulation in your body: tight shoulders, rushing, impatience, holding your breath [11:49] The rushing reframe every parent needs: shifting from "let's go, let's go" to "let's focus" and why that small shift changes the whole morning [17:55] Breaking down all four modes: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn — including why people-pleasing is a survival response, not a personality trait [25:26] Alliance member Chris's question: the "pressure to perform" cycle and why functioning in high-intensity fight-or-flight leads to hard crashes and compulsive avoidance [30:21] Why a formal diagnosis may not matter: Jenna's framework focuses on nervous system regulation regardless of whether you have a label [40:19] Dysregulation is contagious — but so is regulation: how Jenna's own internal work changed her husband without a single conversation about it [42:16] Joanne's question: how to help a high-achieving son who struggles at school, and why the most powerful thing parents can do happens before they drop the kids off [47:21] Jenna's upcoming book, Full Capacity, and why she believes regulation is the most ambitious thing a driven person can pursue [54:12] The dreamer-freeze type: why a low-motivation, avoidant kid is just as dysregulated as a hyperactive one — it just looks different [57:10] The host shares his own ADHD management tools — exercise and clean eating — and Jenna explains exactly why they work from a nervous system standpoint   Five Key Takeaways You can't think your way out of fight-or-flight because it's not a thought problem — it's a nervous system problem. The primal part of your brain believes you're being chased by a bear, and no amount of self-talk will convince it otherwise until you address the physical and behavioral patterns keeping it on alert. The frantic-crash cycle isn't a productivity style — it's a symptom. When you require pressure to get things done and then collapse afterward, you're not built that way; you've been trained into it. The only way out is to consciously lower the intensity during the good stretches, not just manage the crashes. Rushing is one of the clearest signals your nervous system has flipped into survival mode. When you catch yourself rushing the kids in the morning, the fix isn't to push through faster — it's to physically slow down and shift from "let's go" to "let's focus," which calms everyone's system and actually gets you out the door more effectively. Your regulation — or lack of it — is setting the baseline for your whole family. Kids and partners co-regulate with the people around them. You can't force your kids to be calm, but becoming a regulated, grounded presence does more than any conversation about breathing ever will. Fight-or-flight doesn't always look like intensity. Freeze and avoidance are just as much a dysregulated state as frantic rushing — they're just the other end of the pendulum. A kid who looks unmotivated or a dad who procrastinates for two weeks is dealing with the same nervous system problem as the guy who can't slow down. Links & Resources The Dad Edge Alliance — https://thedadedge.com/join Questions for the Car (free resource) — https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions ADHD with Jenna Free (social media) — @adhdwithjennafree Full Capacity HQ (upcoming content on regulation for ambitious people) — @fullcapacityhq Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1492 Closing What Jenna laid out here isn't a quick fix — and she'd be the first one to tell you that. But there's something powerful in knowing that the part of you that snaps at your kids, crashes after a big push, or can't quite slow down no matter how much you want to — that part isn't a character flaw. It's a nervous system that's been running in survival mode, and it can be retrained. If this conversation hit close to home, share it with a dad you know who's quietly fighting the same battle. And if you're not yet part of the Alliance where conversations like this happen every month, head over to thedadedge.com/join. Follow the show, leave a rating and review, and help us get this in front of the dads who need it most. Go out and live legendary.

What if behavior isn't something to stop, but something to listen to? In this episode, we're talking about one of the biggest mindset shifts happening in autism education right now: moving from compliance-based teaching toward connection, regulation, and understanding. Because what often gets labeled as "behavior" in preschool classrooms is actually communication. I'll walk you through what changes when educators stop asking, "How do I stop this behavior?" and start asking, "What is this child telling me right now?" This conversation explores the nervous system underneath behavior, the long-term impact of compliance-focused practices, and what regulation-first support can look like in real preschool classrooms. We'll talk about: ● why "behavior" is often communication ● the hidden cost of compliance-based teaching ● what dysregulation actually looks like in young children ● why regulation must come before expectation ● classroom examples of regulation-first support ● how relationship-building changes learning outcomes Because compliance is not the same as learning. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why many challenging behaviors are rooted in nervous system needs • How sensory overwhelm, transitions, and demands impact regulation • The difference between compliance and genuine engagement • Why regulation-first classrooms support learning more effectively • What co-regulation looks like during difficult moments • Practical ways to support autistic preschoolers without forcing participation • Why connection creates more sustainable outcomes than control Key Takeaways • Behavior is communication • Dysregulation is not defiance • Compliance does not equal learning • Nervous systems must feel safe before learning can happen • Regulation-first support benefits all children, not just autistic children • Co-regulation happens through presence, not pressure • Flexibility and relationship-building create more meaningful participation • Educators can support children without requiring perfect compliance Try This • Pause before responding to a behavior and ask what the child may be communicating • Look for sensory, emotional, or environmental stressors underneath dysregulation • Offer lower-demand moments during difficult transitions • Loosen one classroom expectation this week and observe what changes • Build in predictable regulation supports throughout the day • Focus on helping the child feel safe before asking them to perform • Replace "How do I stop this?" with "What support is needed here?" Related Resources & Links

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss a new subtype of ADHD characterized by severe emotional dysregulation. Read the article from The Washington Post here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

Multiple system atrophy is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition that is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease but carries a far grimmer prognosis. MSA has a median survival of just seven to eight years after symptom onset. Toxic aggregates of alpha‑synuclein and excess brain iron create a vicious cycle of neuronal damage that drives the multisystem motor and autonomic decline characteristic of the disease. Alterity Therapeutics is developing an oral, brain‑penetrant therapy designed to redistribute excess iron, reduce alpha‑synuclein aggregation and oxidative injury, and ultimately slow disease progression. David Stamler, CEO of Alterity, discusses the biology of MSA, the company's promising clinical results to date, and why this therapeutic approach may also have application in other neurodegenerative diseases.

Have you ever found yourself asking: why can't I get it together? Why am I struggling so much when others seem fine? In this grounding and compassionate episode, Dr. Margaret Paul offers a profound reframe for anyone who has ever felt like a mess. What you are likely experiencing is not a personal failure, but a nervous system dysregulation. And understanding what that means, where it comes from, and how to respond to it with love rather than judgment can begin to change everything. Dr. Paul explains how the nervous system constantly scans for safety or danger, how childhood environments shape the survival patterns we still carry into adulthood, and why self-judgment only deepens dysregulation rather than resolving it. She also shares practical tools for nervous system regulation, including vagal breathing, EFT, EMDR, and somatic experiencing, and offers a gentle guided moment to help you connect with your inner child right now. Come explore a kinder, more compassionate way of understanding yourself in Why Am I Such a Mess? Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation.   Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul   Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God?   Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program.   Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at margaret@innerbonding.com.   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/  

Welcome to Episode 310 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Many parents are working incredibly hard to help their child, yet things can still feel reactive, exhausting, and chaotic. And often, what gets labeled as bad behavior or anxiety may actually be rooted in a dysregulated nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge joins us today to discuss why dysregulation, what it really is, why it affects so much of a child's behavior and emotional health, and why traditional parenting approaches often fail with overwhelmed kids. Dr. Roseann is a licensed therapist and school psychologist, founder of Regulation First Parenting, host of the Dysregulated Kids podcast, and author of the upcoming book, The Dysregulated Kid. The secret this week is…  Dysregulation Drives EVERYTHING You'll Discover: What dysregulation really is and why it affects behavior, emotions, and learning (1:59) Why many kids are not being defiant but are stuck in chronic stress (6:52) Why masking can hide deeper nervous system dysregulation (14:49) How screens and constant stimulation dysregulate kids and parents (23:03) Why parents need to become the “wall of calm” before reacting (29:42) About Our Guest: Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, school psychologist, founder of Regulation First Parenting™, and host of the Dysregulated Kids podcast. She specializes in nervous system dysregulation and helping families better understand emotional reactivity, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, and chronic stress. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Dysregulated Kid. drroseann.com References In This Episode: The Dysregulated Kid by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge  Dysregulated Kid Podcast Autism Parenting Secrets Podcast Episode 212, You Can't Heal If You Don't Feel Safe with Dr. Neil Nathan Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

In this episode, I answer a question about a 7-year-old child whose play therapy sessions have been marked by extreme dysregulation, constant limit setting, destruction of materials, and very little observable progress after 16 sessions. I explore several possible explanations for this kind of presentation, including neurodivergence, developmental immaturity, a complete lack of experience with self-regulation and autonomy, and the possibility that the child is testing whether the therapeutic relationship can withstand his most challenging behaviors. I also discuss why children who appear chaotic externally are often revealing the chaos they experience internally, and why those behaviors can provide valuable insight into what is happening beneath the surface. Most importantly, I address the therapist's understandable concern that the process feels "clunky" and ineffective. When a child is this dysregulated, progress is often slower and less obvious, but that does not mean change is not occurring. I explain why these cases require extraordinary patience, trust, and adherence to the model, even when there is little external evidence that things are improving. Sometimes our most challenging clients become our most remarkable transformation stories. This episode is a reminder that CCPT is enough, that self-actualization is always occurring, and that our role is to trust the child, trust the process, and remain faithful to the model even when the journey is difficult. New Resource for Play Therapists: The Parent Companion for Play Therapy is now available at author pricing for therapists. Created specifically to help parents better understand the child-centered play therapy process, this book is designed to support parent engagement, improve buy-in, and reduce attrition throughout the therapeutic journey. As a listener of the Play Therapy Podcast, you can order a copy for just $8 (our cost plus shipping). Click here to order your author-priced copy. ** Limit 1 per therapist, offer valid in the Continental U.S. only. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! Topical Playlists! All of the podcasts are now grouped into topical playlists on YouTube. Please go to https://www.youtube.com/kidcounselorbrenna/playlists to view them. If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948 Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

If you've ever wondered why your child melts down over small things, you're not alone—what looks like overreacting is often a nervous system that has already reached its limit. Learn more about what's really happening underneath these meltdowns, how emotional dysregulation builds throughout the day, and what actually helps calm the nervous system instead of escalating the behavior.It can feel confusing when your child holds it together all day… then falls apart over dinner, a simple “no,” or a change in plans. Parents often say, “Why is everything such a big deal?”Once you understand nervous system regulation in children, you stop reacting to the explosion and start seeing the pattern underneath it. And that's where real change begins.Let's break it down in a way that finally makes sense—and gives you something you can actually do about it.Why This Matters More Than You ThinkWhen you see why your child melts down over small things, it's easy to think it's just a behavior issue or a phase they'll grow out of. But what's actually happening is much deeper—your child's nervous system is telling you they've reached their limit. And when we miss that signal, we end up reacting to behavior instead of supporting regulation. Repeated dysregulation isn't just about hard moments at home—it affects sleep, learning, relationships, and your child's ability to recover emotionally over time.Once you understand that behavior is communication and not defiance, you stop asking “How do I fix this?” and start asking “What is my child's nervous system needing right now?”Why does my child melt down over small things after a “good” day?When parents ask why your child melts down over small things, they're usually looking at the wrong moment. The meltdown isn't caused by chicken nuggets, bedtime, or homework—it's the final drop in a full stress cup.Throughout the day, your child is constantly regulating:Following directionsManaging frustrationNavigating social pressureHolding it together at schoolBy the time they get home, there is simply no capacity left.Key takeaways:Meltdowns are delayed stress release, not sudden reactions“Good days” can still be neurologically exhaustingCapacity matters more than behavior in the momentReal-life example:A child seems fine after school, but at dinner, they explode because the smallest demand tips them over the edge. The issue wasn't dinner—it was everything before dinner.What causes emotional dysregulation in children throughout the day?Emotional dysregulation in children builds quietly through small, repeated stressors that adults often don't see. Each transition, instruction, or expectation adds weight to the nervous system.Over time, the system shifts into survival mode.What fills the Stress Cup:Academic pressure and focus demandsSocial masking and peer stressTransitions (class, home, activities)Sensory overload (noise, chaos, movement)Constant self-control effortWhen the cup is full, even small requests feel overwhelming.Parent-friendly insights:It's not about one trigger—it's about total loadDysregulation is cumulative, not randomYour child isn't refusing—they're depletedReal-life example:Harry gets through school by holding everything together. At home, his system finally lets go—not because he's being difficult, but because he's out of regulation capacity.Yelling less and staying calm isn't about being perfect—it's about having the right tools. Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it. Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletterHow do I calm a dysregulated child without making it worse?When a child is in a heightened state of emotional dysregulation in children, correction, logic, or consequences will not work. The nervous system cannot process language—it can only respond to safety.This is where co-regulation techniques matter most.What helps in the moment:Pause before respondingLower your voice and slow your paceSay less, not moreOffer calm presence instead of instructionWhat does NOT help:Explaining why they “should calm down”Asking too many questionsRaising your voice to gain controlParent example:Your child is melting down over dinner. Instead of correcting, you sit quietly nearby, soften your tone, and say, “That was a lot today.” The shift doesn't come from words—it comes from your regulated presence.VISUAL: What a dysregulated brain needs first = Safety, not solutionsWhy does parent emotional regulation change everything?One of the most powerful shifts in parenting a dysregulated child is this: your nervous system leads theirs.When you escalate, they escalate. When you regulate, they borrow your calm.That's why parent emotional regulation is not optional—it's foundational.What changes when you regulate first:Fewer explosive cyclesFaster recovery after triggersMore connection during conflictLess power struggle energyMicro-shifts that matter:Pause before correctingBreathe before respondingSlow your physical movementsFocus on connection before correctionReal-life insight:A parent notices that when they stop reacting immediately and instead lower their voice, their child's intensity drops within minutes. Nothing else changed—just regulation first.What is really happening in your child's nervous system?At the core of why your child melts down over small things is a simple truth: regulation takes energy. For dysregulated kids, it is not automatic—it is effortful.That means your child is constantly working to:Stay focusedFilter inputManage emotionsHandle transitionsBy the end of the day, their system has no flexibility left.Key nervous system truths:Low capacity = high reactivityStress reduces emotional flexibilitySafety restores regulation abilityReal-life example:A teenager who seems “fine” all day becomes irritable and explosive at night. It's not attitude—it's nervous system exhaustion.“It's not the chicken nuggets. It's everything the nervous system has been carrying all day.”— Dr. RoseannWhat You're Seeing Isn't the MomentIf your child is melting down over small things, it does not mean they are difficult—it means they are overwhelmed. Once you understand emotional dysregulation in children through the nervous system lens, everything starts to make sense.And the most powerful shift you can make today is simple: slow yourself down first.You're not alone in this—and you're not doing it wrong. You just needed a different lens.Take one step toward regulation first. That's where change begins.FAQsWhy does my child melt down over small things?Because stress builds throughout the day. The meltdown is the nervous system releasing accumulated overload.How do I calm a dysregulated child?Start with co-regulation: slow your voice, reduce language, and focus on calming before correcting.Is my child defiant or dysregulated?Often what looks like defiance is actually a nervous system overload, not intentional behavior.What is nervous system regulation in children?It's the ability to manage stress and emotions. When overloaded, children lose flexibility and react strongly to small triggers.When your child is struggling, time matters.Don't wait and wonder—use the Solution Matcher to get clear next steps, based on what's actually going on with your child's brain and behavior.Take the quiz at www.drroseann.com/helpDr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and leading expert in emotional dysregulation in children. With over 30 years of experience,

Commentary by Dr. Jian'an Wang.

You've tried the calendars, the timers, the hacks. They work for two weeks and then stop. Jenna Free says that's not a discipline problem. It's a regulation problem.Jenna is a counselor for ADHD with ADHD, author of The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation, and has worked in-depth with over 1,000 people through her ADHD Regulation Method. Her position is direct: dysregulation is not a fixed trait of the ADHD brain. It is a learned response to a lifetime of friction. And it is the reason every other system eventually fails.We cover her three-level regulation framework, why she skips meditation and breathing exercises entirely, how dysregulated beliefs quietly block delegation and visibility in your business, and what physical signs most ADHD business owners have normalized as just a Tuesday.What We CoverWhy regulation has to come before any other system or toolThe three levels Jenna works on: nervous system, thoughts and beliefs, behaviorWhy negative self-talk and urgency feel like they work, and what they actually cost youHow dysregulation shows up as delegation avoidance and RSD in businessThe first practical step to start noticing and interrupting dysregulation todayConnect With Jenna Free Book Title: THE SIMPLE GUIDE TO ADHD REGULATION: The Secret to Finding Balance, Getting Things Done, and EnjoyingSocial Media Links & Show Notes:TikTok: @adhdwithjennafree ; www.tiktok.com/@adhdwithjennafreeInstagram: @adhdwithjennafree ; www.instagram.com/adhdwithjennafreePodcast: ADHD with Jenna Free; https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/adhd-with-jenna-free/id1801356817Website: https://www.adhdwithjennafree.com/Here is the link for the free PDF I mentioned www.adhdwithjennafree.com/adhdguide P.S. Losing work because the admin layer around your business can't keep up with you? Invisible Systems is a 90-day done-for-you sprint where I (Skye) extract the processes from your head, build the operating layer, and find the right person to run it. Six spots left at the founding price, book a call at invisiblesystem.co

You are not overreacting. Your nervous system is not broken. It is doing exactly what it learned to do in environments where threat was the norm. In this episode, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof close out Season Five with one of the most important and least understood concepts in complex trauma: emotional flashbacks. Not the cinematic kind, not a sudden memory of a specific event, but the quiet, whole-system state shift that can color an entire day, week, or month in dread, loneliness, shame, and the bone-deep certainty that nothing will ever be okay. The episode opens with a reframe that changes everything: an emotional flashback is not a regression to the past. It is a real-time nervous system state that reorganizes how the brain filters reality. Perception shifts. Interpretation shifts. What feels possible shifts. And because it happens at the level of the whole predictive network, not just a single memory, it does not feel like the past. It feels like now. It feels like truth. Elisabeth and Jennifer trace exactly how this works through the lens of neuro somatic intelligence, constructed emotion theory, and the science of predictive processing. They explain what neuro tags are and how they get activated, why the amygdala hijack model is outdated and what a more accurate understanding of emotional flashbacks actually looks like, and why calling these states irrational or disordered misses the point entirely. The nervous system is not malfunctioning. It is preparing for threat based on what it has reliably learned to expect. Both hosts share vivid and honest personal examples. Elisabeth describes a recent subtle flashback triggered by being sick, underresourced, and feeling unsupported by her partner, and how quickly the narrative spread to her business, her relationships, and her sense of being completely alone. Jennifer shares the story of a red hummingbird feeder in her backyard that unlocked an entire somatic memory of loneliness and isolation she had not yet consciously connected to childhood. The episode also addresses something practitioners often ask about: how to tell the difference between emotional dysregulation that needs regulating, and an emotion that needs to be felt and moved through. The answer is not a clean line but a question of capacity, flexibility, and what the nervous system can hold in that moment. This is the final episode of Season Five and a natural bridge into Season Six, where Jennifer and Elisabeth will be expanding the lens from individual healing to collective nervous system dynamics, cultural structures, and what becomes possible when this work moves beyond the personal. Chapters 0:00 - Emotional Flashbacks Are Not Regressions. They Are Reality Shifts. 0:38 - Welcome: Closing the Season With Emotional Flashbacks 1:59 - What Neuro Tags Are and How They Get Activated 3:43 - Why Emotional Flashbacks Are Hard to Identify, Especially at First 4:42 - Constructed Emotion Theory and How the Brain Builds Emotional Reality 6:22 - How Physiology Shifts Perception: The Whole System View 7:37 - What It Feels Like From the Inside 9:22 - When You Have Lived in Flashbacks So Long They Feel Like Reality 10:31 - Elisabeth's Recent Subtle Flashback: Sick, Underresourced, and the Narrative That Spread 12:21 - Why Emotional Flashbacks in Complex Trauma Last Days, Weeks, or Longer 14:11 - How to Start Recognizing When You Are In One 15:22 - Moving Beyond Amygdala Hijacking: A More Accurate Model 18:27 - What Modern Neuroscience Actually Says About Emotion and the Brain 21:31 - Emotional Flashbacks as Coherent State Shifts, Not System Failures 23:42 - Why Sensory Precision Matters and What Happens When It Decreases 25:38 - Implicit Memory: How the Past Lives in the Body Without a Story 29:07 - Jennifer's Story: The Red Hummingbird Feeder 30:30 - How Safety States Open New Memory Files 31:41 - The Disproportionate Feeling and the Shame That Comes With It 32:30 - The Flashback Voice Speaks in Absolutes 33:26 - What Triggers Emotional Flashbacks: Sensory Cues, Patterns, and Relational Shifts 36:15 - It Is Not Trying to Remember. It Is Trying to Prepare. 36:42 - Dysregulation vs Emotion That Needs to Be Processed: A Real Question 40:45 - Flexibility as the Key Marker of Growth 41:41 - How NSI Practices Help Shift Neuro Tags in Real Time 43:44 - Closing the Season and a Preview of Season Six Ways to Engage with Neurosomatics    Join us inside Rewire: This is where you actually experience the practices Jennifer and Elisabeth talk about on the podcast that brought us freedom, self-attunement, a new relationship with food and our body.  rewiretrial.com   Explore the neurosomatics of boundaries: boundaryrewire.com   Introduction to neurosomatics for practitioners, coaches and therapists - The NSI foundations Bundle: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/workshops/   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence: https://stan.store/illuminated   Join Jennifer on Sacred Synapse to explore the intersection of neurosomatics and Psychedelic neuroscience: https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:  FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired   Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.  We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.  We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.  We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.  Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.  We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com  All rights in our content are reserved  

When kids can't tolerate boredom, it's easy to forget to put on our X-ray vision goggles and chalk it up to too much screen time or even not enough gratitude. Our kids' reaction to boredom triggers OUR watchdog brain! If we can invite our owl to come back, we will almost certainly see that boredom flips our kids' nervous system into protection mode.In this episode, you'll learn:Why boredom can trigger the nervous system to shift onto the protection pathwayHow vulnerability in the nervous system (whether from ADHD, autism, trauma, or any other reason a kid has a vulnerable nervous system) impacts a child's experience of boredom Practical, nervous-system-informed ways to gradually build your child's boredom tolerance Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/boredomThe Club is welcoming new members from now until Tuesday! Join us now and you can come live to the Parenting with your OWN History of Trauma or Vulnerable Nervous System Masterclass AND the workshop on Mapping Your Child's Nervous System. We can't wait to meet you! RobynGobbel.com/TheClub Immersion Program for Professionals!The Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals is NOW accepting applications for our 2027 cohorts. You MUST be on the waiting list to be eligible to apply so head to RobynGobbel.com/Immersion and put your name on the waiting list! Let's hang out this summer at two different trainings for professionals!Therapy with Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors- June 1 & 2 in Syracuse, NY RobynGobbel.com/NYPresence in Practice- July 15, 16, & 17 in Rockford, MI (outside Grand Rapids) RobynGobbel.com/Michigan2026 :::Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubSign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagramOver on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute's (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Simple tasks that seem easy to you become overwhelming battles for your teen or young adult with ADHD. One small request turns into a massive blow-up. And when we don't understand the ADHD brain, it can feel like they're being disrespectful, lazy or even manipulative. In today's episode, I'm joined by therapist and ADHD expert Debbie Murad to unpack what's really happening underneath ADHD and emotional dysregulation in teens and young adults. Debbie explains why so many ADHD behaviors are misunderstood as intentional defiance when they're actually rooted in brain development, executive functioning challenges, dopamine regulation, and overwhelm.We also talk about the emotional toll ADHD takes on teens themselves. Because behind the missed assignments, emotional explosions, forgotten responsibilities, and impulsive behaviors, many teens are silently carrying shame, self-loathing, anxiety, and the exhausting feeling that they can never quite keep up with everyone else.This conversation is especially important for parents who feel burned out, triggered, confused, or stuck in constant conflict with their teen. Because understanding what's happening neurologically can completely change the way you respond, and ultimately strengthen the relationship with your child.In this episode on ADHD and emotional dysregulation in teens, we discuss:Why ADHD behaviors are often mistaken for disrespect or defianceWhat emotional dysregulation actually looks like in teens or young adults with ADHDThe difference between supporting your child and over-accommodating themWhy teens with ADHD can become overwhelmed by seemingly “simple” tasksHow ADHD impacts self-esteem, shame, and relationshipsWhy parents often take ADHD behaviors personallyThe connection between ADHD, impulsivity, dopamine, and addiction riskHow hyperfocus can become both a strength and a challengeThe link between ADHD, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and burnoutHow parents can become better advocates for their neurodivergent childWhy mindfulness and emotional regulation work for parents matters tooThe importance of helping teens build executive functioning skills instead of doing everything for themHow understanding your child's brain can transform your relationship with themMore about Debbie MuradDebbie Murad brings over 30 years of expertise as a Clinical Social Worker, having worked with a wide spectrum of clients, including adolescents struggling with executive functioning, mental health and addiction issues. As the founder and CEO of Beach Cities Gateway, a transitional program for emerging adults, Debbie specializes in guiding young people through the challenges of mental health, addiction, and executive functioning.Looking for support?

If you're in a relationship with a covert narcissist, you already know something feels deeply wrong — but you may not have the words for it yet. One of the most destructive and least talked-about patterns in narcissistic abuse is emotional dysregulation. And when a covert narcissist can't manage their own emotions, the entire family pays the price.   In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we break down exactly how a covert narcissist's emotional dysregulation affects your marriage and your kids — and why the damage runs so much deeper than most people realize.   We talk about what emotional dysregulation really looks like in a covert narcissist — because it's rarely what you'd expect. We dig into the toll it takes on you as a spouse: the hypervigilance, the walking on eggshells, the self-doubt, and the relentless mental exhaustion that comes from a mind that is never allowed to rest. We also talk about what happens to your children when they grow up inside this family dynamic — and the quiet, lasting ways narcissistic abuse shapes the way they see themselves and the world.   If you've been running on empty and can't figure out why, this episode will help you understand exactly where your energy is going — and why narcissistic abuse recovery requires more than just awareness.   Topics covered: What covert narcissist emotional dysregulation actually looks like How narcissistic abuse creates hypervigilance in the spouse Why you've lost your autopilot — and what that costs you every day The overthinking drain: why your brain never stops and never resolves How children of narcissists silently adapt in unhealthy ways Why the whole family system reorganizes around one person's emotional fragility Why narcissistic abuse recovery requires support, not just information Ready to stop surviving and start healing? Visit covertnarcissism.com to learn about coaching with Renee. The information provided by Renee Swanson, the Covert Narcissism Podcast, and CNG Life Coaching is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used for diagnosis and should not be considered a substitute for clinical care. Please consult a healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. This material discusses narcissism in general. Renee shares stories from her own personal experiences as well as from those she has spoken with over the years. Nothing in this material claims that any specific person has narcissism, and it should not be used to refer to any specific individual as having narcissism. Permission is not granted to link to or repost this material in order to support an allegation or claim that any specific person is a narcissist. Doing so would be an unauthorized misuse of the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brought to you by the members of Manifesting Mastery Deluxe https://ManifestingMasteryDeluxe.comNeville Goddard quote:  The Wise Productive Use of Money“That experience taught me a lesson I have used throughout my life. When people ask me about my success, I must say that I believe it is because I have never made ‘making money' my goal: ‘My goal is the wise, productive use of money.' This man's inner conversations are based on the premise that he already has money, his constant inner question: the proper use of it.” - Neville GoddardMark's Money Manifesting Mistake:  How to Manifest $37,813.25 centsHere's what I'm doing....I am imagining my friends and I celebrating me having manifested the EXACT amount I imagined....$37.813.25 because sacred loves specifics....What do you think?TT:  Specific is terrific...  But that's not the real specific....Money...Money for...Money again for...Man with the money...People might want to borrow money....But what if they wanted you - to give them - wisdom....Wise Productive Use of MoneyTerry asks:  What do you think about group manifesting?We're forming a group...Getting together at 11:11 am...On the 7th day of each week...(Get why we're doing it this way?)Would you like to join us?Because it would be great to have a heavy hitter on the team.Thanks!Gazza in Remarkable:  Manifesting and Nervous System Dysregulation I LOVE! the Nervous System Dysregulation playlist on youtube.It is a wonderful intro to MMD and completely different..I like to share it when I notice people are lost...Years ago I said 'notice that you are always imagining something'The Nervous System Dysregulation playlist is my go to now..I guess my question could be how did you discover the name "Nervous System Dysregulation"Remarkable Lisa Ann LaRock: “Finite or Infinite”Hello Twenty and Victoria!“Finite or Infinite”Quantum Physics…Suggests…An Observer…Influences outcomes.Ultimately our…State is responsible…For what occurs.I confess…There are times when…I feel dilute.As if my true nature…Has been caught in…A rip tide.Circumstances…Unexpected necessary…Needs.Entanglements…There is a point…Where I know…My identity seems to…Be fractured into…Finite pieces.As human…I'm loosing my…Divine Perspective.The way I remember…Who I am…Is in the stillness…I go looking for…Evidence…What does history…Reveal about me?The tip I recently received…For excellent client service…The trembling voice and tears of a loved one…When I called simply to share my love for them at a difficult moment.People die.I will die.Life has a way of shattering  and scattering…Conscious awareness of…This infinite beautiful…Being that I am…Moment by moment…Is all that matters.Thank you for your insights!  Lisa

What if the gut–brain connection is driving emotional dysregulation in your child? Hidden gut imbalances may fuel mood swings and meltdowns. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps families calm the brain and restore emotional balance.If your child's meltdowns feel unpredictable or tied to physical discomfort, you're not imagining it. What if the gut–brain connection is driving emotional dysregulation in your child?This episode unpacks how gut health impacts mood, behavior, and stress—and what you can do to help your child feel calmer and more in control.Why does my child have emotional meltdowns when they're hungry or have stomach issues?You're not alone in noticing this pattern. Behavior is communication, and sometimes your child's body is sending signals before their brain can explain them.When the gut is out of balance, it can increase irritability, anxiety, and emotional reactivity—especially when blood sugar drops or digestion is off.Mood crashes when hungry can signal unstable blood sugarFrequent stomach aches or constipation may point to gut imbalanceAnxiety tied to physical discomfort is a major clueImagine this: Your child melts down every afternoon before dinner. It looks behavioral—but their nervous system may actually be overwhelmed by hunger and gut stress.How does the gut actually affect my child's brain and emotions?Let's calm the brain first by understanding what's happening underneath. The gut and brain are constantly communicating through the vagus nerve—like a two-way highway.Here's what matters most:Most serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical) is made in the gutThe gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation and brain signalingSignals travel from gut to brain more than you thinkWhen the gut is balanced, your child's nervous system can regulate stress more easily. When it's not? That “stress cup” fills fast—and spills over as meltdowns.Yelling less and staying calm isn't about being perfect—it's about having the right tools.Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it.Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletterWhat are signs my child's gut is affecting their behavior?It's not always obvious—but there are patterns parents can learn to spot.Look for these clues:Mood shifts after certain foodsDigestive issues (constipation, discomfort, picky eating)Energy crashes or fatigueBehavior changes when sleep is offThese don't automatically mean it's the gut—but they're signals worth paying attention to.One parent shared: After addressing gut health alongside nervous system regulation, their child's emotional outbursts didn't just improve—they dramatically shifted. That's the power of looking at the full picture.

Something feels off even when tests come back normal. Discover the hidden signs of PANS/PANDAS every parent misses as Dr. Nancy O'Hara unpacks sudden symptoms often mistaken for ADHD, anxiety, or autism. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, guides parents through emotional dysregulation and what to do next.Parents often know something is wrong—even when tests come back “normal.” In this powerful conversation with Dr. Nancy O'Hara, we explore the hidden signs of PANS/PANDAS every parent misses, and why so many children are misdiagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, or even autism.The truth? Sudden behavioral shifts, OCD, and physical symptoms may signal immune-driven brain inflammation—not “just behavior.” In this episode, you'll learn what PANS/PANDAS really is, how it affects the brain, and the overlooked signs parents and providers often miss. Why did my child suddenly change behavior overnight?When a child shifts abruptly—from calm to anxious, obsessive, or emotionally reactive—it can feel confusing and scary for parents.Dr. O'Hara explains that this sudden onset is a key marker of PANS/PANDAS, often triggered by infection or immune dysregulation.What parents should know:Sudden onset matters—changes can happen within days to weeksOCD, anxiety, or eating changes may appear quicklyIt's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated immune responseTriggers may include strep, viruses, mold, or environmental stressorsReal-Life Example: A child who was once easygoing suddenly develops intense fears, refuses foods, or becomes highly anxious after an illness.As I always remind parents, behavior is communication—and sudden shifts deserve deeper investigation.Is OCD in kids always obvious—or can it be hidden?One of the most missed signs of PANS/PANDAS is hidden OCD, especially intrusive thoughts that don't look like typical compulsions.Dr. O'Hara emphasizes that many children suffer silently.Hidden OCD signs include:Intrusive, scary thoughts they can't explainWithdrawal, shutdown, or emotional overwhelmAvoidance of situations without clear reasonShame or embarrassment about thoughtsA child seems “anxious about everything,” but underneath is a looping fear they can't verbalize.This is where misdiagnosis often happens. It may look like generalized anxiety or even ADHD—but it's actually neurological inflammation affecting the brain's fear circuits.Let's be clear: your child is not choosing this. Their brain is overwhelmed.Why are medical tests normal if my child is struggling so much?This is one of the most frustrating experiences for parents—being told everything is “fine” when it clearly isn't.Dr. O'Hara explains that PANS/PANDAS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, not a lab-based one.Key insights:Bloodwork can look completely normalSome children cannot mount detectable immune responsesInflammation may still be present in the brainDiagnosis relies heavily on pattern recognition + historyReal-Life Example: A child with severe behavioral changes has “normal labs,” leading families to feel dismissed—despite clear real-world impairment.This is where validation matters. You're not imagining it.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.What physical symptoms are easy to miss in PANS/PANDAS?Parents often focus on behavior and miss the body-based clues.Dr. O'Hara highlights that somatic symptoms are frequently overlooked—but incredibly important.Common missed signs:Urinary frequency or urgencyBedwetting after being drySleep disturbances or restless sleepHandwriting changes or regressionSensory overload or motor changesReal-Life Example: A child begins waking frequently at night and having bathroom accidents alongside new anxiety.These symptoms reflect nervous system dysregulation—not defiance or regression without cause.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we're exploring why 'resilience' needs a rebrand. The old model went out of fashion. It was all about pushing through, staying positive and performing no matter what - especially in the work environment. But in a world of relentless uncertainty and rising pressure, many of us aren't just tired - we're chronically dysregulated.True resilience has had to adapt. It looks different now and our work with organisations confirms the shift. It's about learning how to regulate your nervous system, protect your attention, create inner steadiness and stay grounded when everything around you feels unstable.Because when we can't find peace internally, we often start looking for it in the wrong places - through busyness, distraction, overworking or the habits we use to numb and soothe. This conversation is about resilience 2.0: building the kind of internal strength that helps you think clearly, lead calmly, and stay rooted in what matters most - at work, at home, and within yourself. Support the showPlease remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and rate us. We don't run ads on the podcast or for the show, because we want to keep it as enjoyable for you to listen as possible. So if you can help us spread the word, we'd be incredibly grateful.For more information about The Midlife Mentors, click the below link:https://linktr.ee/themidlifementors.comTik Tok: @themidlifementorsIG: @midlifementors

Dysregulation is on the rise and it can be seen everywhere.Today Mitch and Amanda dive deep into the brain and how a regulated nervous system is a key to a healthy lifestyle. They talk about the science behind what happens when you're in a stressed state as well as share tools that you can use when you're feeling a ungrounded.Connect with us!YoutubeEmailInstagramMitch - SubstackMitch - InstagramMitch - FacebookAmanda - WebsiteAmanda - YoutubeAmanda - InstagramAmanda - Substackholyhealth222@gmail.comPlease share the show and leave a rating and review!

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 Parenting™, shows how to calm dysregulation at its source.Ever wonder why your child falls apart the second they get home—even after a “good” day? Understanding why school quietly fills your child's stress cup helps you understand what's really happening beneath the surface.It's not misbehavior—it's a nervous system that's run out of capacity. When we calm the brain first, we can finally decode what those after-school meltdowns are trying to tell us.Why does my child melt down right after school even if nothing went wrong?You're not imagining it—and you're definitely not alone. After-school meltdowns aren't about what just happened… they're about everything that built up all day.Your child's nervous system has a limited capacity. Every demand, transition, and social moment adds a “drop” to their stress cup. By the time they get home? It's overflowing.Meltdowns = nervous system overflow, not bad behaviorHome feels safe, so emotions finally release“Good at school” often means “holding it together all day”Picture this: A teacher says your child had a “great day,” but at home, they explode over homework. That's not defiance—it's regulation fatigue.What is the “stress cup” and how does school fill it?Think of your child's brain like a cup. Every stressor adds a drop—big or small. School quietly fills that cup faster than most adults realize.Here's what's happening behind the scenes:Sustained attention: Long focus periods drain mental energyConstant transitions: Switching tasks adds cognitive loadSocial pressure: Navigating friendships and group work is exhaustingSensory overload: Noise, lights, and movement overwhelm the brainEmotional suppression: Holding it together takes serious effortBehavior is communication. When the cup overflows, your child isn't choosing chaos—their brain has run out of space.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 a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and take the first step to a calmer home.Why does my child behave better at school than at home?It can feel confusing… even frustrating. But here's the truth: It's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.Many kids use all their energy to meet expectations at school. That means:Following rulesMasking discomfortSuppressing emotionsPushing through challengesBy the time they walk through your door, there's nothing left.

ADHD symptoms can be easy to miss — even when you're someone who knows a lot about ADHD. Kim Holderness shares her adult ADHD diagnosis and the complicated feelings that came with it.  Kim felt embarrassed and like a fraud. For years, she assumed her anxiety and emotional ups and downs were simply part of the very real load many busy moms carry. Kim and Penn Holderness — creators, authors, and the couple behind the Holderness Family — have long been surrounded by ADHD in their life and work. In a quick, sweet cameo, Penn (who also has ADHD) shares how he supports Kim in practical ways, like handling paperwork and day-to-day logistics. For more on this topic Listen: ADHD and emotional dysregulation Read: 3 surprising skills ADHD affects Watch: Are people with ADHD oversensitive? For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at adhdaha@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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™, helps parents calm the brain and rebuild emotional resilience.Feeling like your child is constantly being corrected—and it's wearing them down? You're not alone. The emotional side of ADHD and neurodivergence often goes unseen, but it deeply impacts confidence, motivation, and behavior.In this episode, you'll learn how constant correction shapes your child's brain—and what actually helps.Why does my child with ADHD feel like they're always doing something wrong?When kids hear corrections all day—“sit still,” “focus,” “try harder”—it starts to shape how they see themselves.The brain builds identity through feedback. And when that feedback is mostly negative, kids begin to believe:“I'm the problem.”“I can't get it right.”“Why even try?”Over time, this becomes more than frustration—it turns into shame.Imagine your child forgetting homework again. You remind them (again), but what they hear is: “I always mess up.”Repeated correction creates a negative self-storyConfidence drops, even if effort is thereKids may shut down, act out, or avoid tasks entirelyThis is the hidden emotional weight of neurodivergence—and it matters more than you think.How does constant correction affect motivation and behavior in neurodivergent kids?Here's the truth: It's not bad behavior—it's a dysregulated brain trying to cope.When kids expect failure, something called learned helplessness kicks in. The brain says, “Why bother?”You might notice:Avoidance (they stop trying)Anxiety (fear of making mistakes)Defensiveness or backtalk (protecting themselves from more shame)This isn't laziness. It's protection.A parent might say, “My child just isn't motivated.” But underneath? That child is overwhelmed and trying to avoid feeling like they're failing again.Motivation drops when shame risesBehavior is a stress response—not defianceThe nervous system is stuck in survival modeThis is why we always say: Behavior is communication.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.Why do kids with ADHD get more negative feedback than others?Kids with ADHD and neurodivergence process attention, emotions, and tasks differently. That means:They forget more oftenThey interrupt more frequentlyThey struggle with task completionAnd because of that? They receive thousands more corrections than their peers—sometimes up to 20,000 more by adolescence.Let that sink in.Real-Life Example: One mom shared how dinner always turns into correction after correction. Her child interrupts—and suddenly the whole tone shifts.More differences = more correctionMore correction = more emotional impactStrengths (like hyperfocus) often get overlookedBut here's the reframe: Your child's brain isn't broken—it's different. And with support, those differences can become strengths.How can I stop the correction cycle and support my child better?This is where everything changes. Let's calm the brain first.The CALMS Protocol gives you a simple, powerful shift:C – Co-regulate first: Pause. Lower your voice. Connect before correcting.A – Avoid personalizing: It's not intentional—it's neurological.L – Look for root causes: Hunger? Overwhelm? Too much demand?M – Model coping: Show calm problem-solving in real time.S – Support and reinforce: Focus on effort, not just outcomes.Instead of “Stop doing that,” try: “Let's figure this out together.”Connection brings the thinking brain back onlineCuriosity replaces frustrationSmall wins rebuild confidenceIf you want to start calming your child's nervous system fast, check out Quick CALM—a parent-friendly tool that helps you regulate in the moment so your child can too.What message should I be sending my neurodivergent child?Your child doesn't need more correction—they need a new story.Instead of: “What's wrong with you?”Shift to: “Your brain works differently—and we'll figure this out together.”

You have been managing something for a long time. Maybe you don't call it that. Maybe it shows up as a low-grade restlessness, a reflexive reaching for the phone, a fullness in your chest that never quite resolves. You've done the spiritual things. You've prayed, you've worshipped, you've pressed through. And underneath all of it there is still something unresolved, something unnamed, something you have quietly agreed to just carry. And the most confronting possibility in the world is that the people closest to you have gotten comfortable with you carrying it, because a version of you that is fractured and functional and never-quite-well is a version of you they know how to manage. Tim Ross joins me for a conversation that is equal parts pastoral and surgical. Tim is the host of The Basement podcast and the author of The Missing Peace: How to Be Held Together When You're Falling Apart, and what he brings to this conversation is not theory. In 2019, Tim's life was simultaneously at its most visible and its most misaligned, and what cracked the surface was not a catastrophic failure but something quieter and stranger than that, a spray-paint can and six cans from Home Depot on a Saturday night, and elders kind enough to hold a mirror up. We trace that inflection point all the way to a theology of nervous system regulation grounded not in Polyvagal theory alone but in Mark 4, in John 14, in the peace that Jesus left as a Person and not a feeling. We talk about dysregulation as detachment from peace, about why a regulated person can discern between the agitator and the agitated when a dysregulated one can only rebuke everything, about the narratives we have fallen in love with because the work of changing them is simply too much to want to face. We talk about what it costs to get free, and why some of the people in your life are quietly counting on you not to. The free you will not tolerate what the bound you did. Tim said that near the end of our conversation, and it's the kind of sentence that doesn't settle quietly. This episode will not let you stay comfortable with a curated peace. It will ask whether what you're calling maturity is actually avoidance, whether what you're calling faith is cowardice dressed up, and whether you're ready to throw off the outer garment and run. Guest Bio Tim Ross is the host of The Basement podcast, one of the most widely followed voices at the intersection of faith, mental health, and honest human experience. Tim has spent more than 27 years in the work of formation, and his shift from the pews to podcasting has extended his reach to millions. His newest book, The Missing Peace: How to Be Held Together When You're Falling Apart (Thomas Nelson, 2025), is a theology of peace rooted in the person of the Holy Spirit and grounded in the lived reality of nervous system regulation. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Juliette, and their sons Nathan and Noah. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Review the Podcast Click here to read the ratings, or even better, please leave me a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your rating will help the podcast get noticed and positioned on Apple Podcasts. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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 Capanna-Hodge's Regulation First Parenting™, you'll gain clear, brain-based tools that truly help.The hidden stressors filling your child's stress cup that trigger meltdowns can leave you feeling confused and exhausted—especially when the reaction seems to come out of nowhere. You're not alone.In this episode, you'll learn what's really building beneath the surface—and how to finally make sense of your child's big reactions.Why does my child melt down over “nothing” at the end of the day?If your child explodes at bedtime or after school, it's not about that moment. It's about what's been building all day.Meltdowns are the overflow—not the cause. Your child's “stress cup” has been filling drop by drop.Small stressors stack up (even ones you don't notice)The brain keeps score, even when your child seems “fine”The final trigger is just the last dropReal-Life Example: A parent thought bedtime was the issue—until we looked back and saw a full day of cognitive, social, and emotional strain. Bedtime wasn't the problem; it was the overflow.What are hidden stressors that fill my child's stress cup?Many of the biggest stressors are invisible to parents—but very real to the nervous system.Here's what may be quietly filling your child's cup:Cognitive load: Following directions, focusing, switching tasksSensory overload: Noise, lights, smells, chaotic environmentsEmotional suppression: Holding in feelings all daySocial stress: Navigating friendships, rejection, fitting inTransitions: Constant shifting from one task to anotherEven “typical” kids are overwhelmed. Today's demands are high, and their brains are still developing.Bottom line: It's not bad behavior—it's a dysregulated brain.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.Why does my child seem fine at school but fall apart at home?Because school is where they're holding it together.After-school restraint collapse is real.Your child spends hours masking, coping, and suppressingThat takes real nervous system energyWhen they get home, they finally feel safe enough to release itReal-Life Example: A child who “behaves perfectly” at school may scream, cry, or refuse simple tasks at home. That's not manipulation—it's nervous system exhaustion.Behavior is communication. Your child is showing you they've hit their limit.How do transitions and pressure impact my child's behavior?Kids move through dozens of transitions daily—and each one requires mental effort.“Stop this, start that”“Line up, pack up, switch tasks”Constant gear-shifting in the brainAdd to that:Academic pressureSocial expectationsInternal fear of getting things wrongThat pressure builds quietly. Even if no one says it out loud, kids feel it.And when the brain runs out of capacity? That's when you see the meltdown.How can I help empty my child's stress cup before it overflows?Let's calm the brain first—because that's where change begins.Start here:Reduce load where possible (less pressure, more support)Build in regulation breaks throughout the dayCreate safe spaces for emotional releaseNotice patterns, not just reactions

In this episode, Nikki gets personal about her journey with anxiety and OCD — from high school through motherhood, to her 40's. She opens up about the stigma of being a health and mindset coach and a yoga and fitness instructor while also having anxiety and OCD, and why she believes in bio-individuality: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to your health and well-being. Nikki also tackles the resurgence of thinness culture, now rebranded as "wellness," and breaks down the real tools that help her manage stress — movement, breath work, co-regulation, and community. If you've ever felt like you had to earn your rest or push through everything, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Nikki's personal history with anxiety and OCDMedication, talk therapy, and holistic tools — using all of them togetherOver-exercising as a form of OCD and the shift to intuitive movementWhy your nervous system needs a foundation before anything elseThe return of thinness culture and how to protect yourself and your kidsCo-regulation and the power of communityThe difference between discipline and dysregulationAs mentioned in this episode:21 Day Mindset Reset https://stan.store/nikklanigan/p/31day-nervous-system-reset-program

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 nervous system transforms your child's behavior.Have you ever promised to yourself that you'll stay calm—but suddenly you're yelling again? You're not alone.The co-dysregulation cycle no one talks about explains why emotions escalate so quickly—and why it's not a failure, but a nervous system response. Learn more about why it's important to calm the brain first to shift the pattern and create real, lasting change.Why do I lose control when my child melts down?It feels like it comes out of nowhere—but it's not a character flaw. It's biology. When your child becomes dysregulated, your nervous system automatically mirrors that intensity.Emotions are contagious—like yawning, they spreadYour heart rate, breathing, and stress hormones sync upThe thinking brain (prefrontal cortex) goes offlineReal-Life Example: You're cooking dinner, your child starts whining, and suddenly your voice sharpens. You didn't plan it—it just happened.It's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.What is the Co-Dysregulation Cycle in parenting?The Co-Dysregulation Cycle is a back-and-forth escalation between your nervous system and your child's.Here's how it unfolds:Child becomes overwhelmed → meltdown, refusal, or shutdownParent reacts → stress rises, patience dropsParent responds with urgency or control → “Stop it now!”Child senses more threat → escalates even furtherTwo dysregulated nervous systems can't create calm.

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 in Regulation First Parenting™, parents gain real tools to calm dysregulation.Feeling like your child melts down over nothing? Why kids suddenly melt down isn't random—it's a nervous system overload. Learn what's really happening beneath big reactions and how to spot the signs before the explosion.This matters because when we misunderstand meltdowns, we respond in ways that don't actually help. In this episode, you'll learn why meltdowns happen, what the “stress cup” really means, and how to shift from reacting to preventing those big blow-ups.Why does my child melt down over small things like the wrong bowl?It looks like it's about the bowl—but it's not. The meltdown is the overflow, not the cause.Think of your child's nervous system like a cup. Every stressor—big or small—adds up throughout the day. When the cup is full, even one tiny drop can trigger a spill.Meltdowns aren't random—they're cumulativeSmall triggers = already overwhelmed brainEvery child has a different “cup size” (capacity)Real-life example: A mom shared how her child melted down over a blue bowl instead of pink. The bowl wasn't the issue—it was the last drop.Why do meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere?Because we're only seeing the final moment, not the build-up.Your child's brain is constantly scanning for stress. When enough stress piles up, the brain shifts into survival mode—and that's when reactions get big, fast, and intense.The amygdala (threat detector) takes overStress hormones like cortisol spikeThe thinking brain goes offlineThat's why your child can do math one minute—and fall apart over socks the next. It's not defiance—it's dysregulation.Why does my child fall apart after school or during homework?This is so common—and so misunderstood.By the time your child gets home, they may have been holding it together all day. That effort fills the stress cup. Homework? That's just the final push.After-school restraint collapse is realHolding it together = draining regulation energyHomework isn't the cause—it's the last dropReal-Life example: One family tried rewards, consequences, and stricter rules for homework meltdowns. Nothing worked—until they realized their child was already overwhelmed before homework even started.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 can I tell what's really causing my child's meltdown?Shift your question from “Why are they acting like this?” to: “What has been filling their cup today?”That one mindset shift changes everything.Look at the full day, not just the momentWatch for subtle stressors (sensory, transitions, expectations)Focus on patterns, not isolated incidentsWhen you understand the build-up, behavior starts to make sense—and that's where real change begins.

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 Capanna-Hodge, founder of Regulation First Parenting™, guides parents to build lasting regulation.You answer, reassure, explain—and five minutes later, it starts again. It's exhausting, and it can make you question everything. You're not alone and it's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode, learn why reassurance backfires and leads to worse behavior and more nervous system dysregulation—and what actually helps your child feel calm and safe.Why does my child keep asking the same anxious questions over and over?If your child asks, “Are you sure I won't get sick?” or “Are you sure the door is locked?” on repeat, it's not because they didn't hear you.It's because their nervous system isn't regulated.Reassurance gives quick relief—but not lasting calmThe brain gets a dopamine hit, then craves moreAnxiety learns: ask → get relief → repeatBehavior is communication. Your child isn't looking for facts—they're looking for regulation.Real-life example:One parent shared her daughter asked 40+ questions every night. No matter how many answers she gave, it was never enough. Why? Because the brain wasn't seeking truth—it was seeking relief from distress.Why does reassurance make anxiety and OCD worse over time?This is where things get tricky—and honestly, surprising.Reassurance doesn't calm the brain long-term. It actually feeds the anxiety loop.It avoids discomfort instead of building toleranceThe brain stays in threat mode (fight-or-flight)Dependence on you increases instead of resilienceOver time, this can escalate:Anxiety → OCD patternsAnxiety → Shutdown or depressionChronic stress → nervous system overloadIt's not misbehavior—it's dysregulation.How do I help my child without reinforcing their fears?Here's the shift that changes everything:

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 decode behavior and build real regulation skills.If turning off a device leads to meltdowns, yelling, or total shutdown, you're not alone. It's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.In this episode, I'll help you understand whether it's true addiction or a nervous system craving stimulation—and what actually helps.Why does my child freak out when I turn off video games?When your child explodes after gaming ends, it's not just “attitude.” It's a nervous system crash.Gaming floods the brain with dopamine and adrenaline—so when it stops, the drop can feel like a threat.This is withdrawal from overstimulation, not defiance.What to watch for:Intense rage, panic, or tears—not mild frustrationStatements like “You're ruining my life!”Aggression or total emotional shutdownReal-life example:A parent sets a 10-minute warning, but when time's up, their child throws the controller and screams. That's not a discipline issue—it's dysregulation.How do I know if my child is addicted to video games or just loves them?Great question—and an important distinction. True addiction means loss of control, withdrawal, and life interference. But many kids aren't addicted—they're relying on gaming to regulate stress.Red flags of addiction or dependency:Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or outdoor playGaming becomes their only focus or topicConstant “I'm bored” without screensA regulated brain can shift activities. A dysregulated one clings tightly to what feels good and predictable.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.Why does my child only calm down with screens?If screens are the only thing that works, your child's brain has learned one pathway: high-intensity stimulation = relief.But here's the truth:Video games are a short-term regulator, not a long-term solution.What this looks like:Every meltdown ends with “Just go play your game”Gaming reduces anxiety—but nothing else doesYour child resists all other calming strategiesIt may feel like it helps—but it's creating dependency.This is where tools like Quick CALM can make a big difference—giving your child real, body-based ways to regulate without relying on screens. Can video games affect my child's sleep, mood, and school performance?Absolutely. Chronic screen overstimulation disrupts sleep, mood, and focus.When the brain stays in a hyper-aroused state, it struggles to power down.Common signs:Late-night gaming or sneaking devicesTrouble falling asleep or waking up irritableIncreased anxiety or impulsivityDeclining grades or focusWhy it happens:Disrupted melatonin (sleep hormone)Elevated cortisol (stress hormone)Brain never fully “resets”We need to power down to power up—and screens can block that process.What actually helps without constant battles over screens?Let's calm the brain first—because two dysregulated brains arguing never ends well.Here's what works:Regulate before removing screensUse gradual transitions, not abrupt cutoffsBuild non-digital dopamine (movement, sunlight, connection)Protect sleep like it's sacredStay calm—your nervous system sets the tone

Doug Mennin, Ph.D., introduces ideas aligned with emotion regulation therapy, a research-based approach designed to help people understand and respond to feelings of anxiety, low mood, rumination, self-criticism, and other aspects of emotional distress. Resources: Emotional Dysregulation in Adults Free Download: Emotional Regulation & Anger Management Scripts Read: Everything You Never Knew About the ADHD Brain Read: Does ADHD Emotional Dysregulation Ever Fade? Read: After the Shame: How to Re-Center Your Bruised Emotions Access the video and slides for podcast episode #602 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-dysregulation-adhd-triggers-co-occurring-conditions/ This episode is sponsored by the podcast Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson. Search for "Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson" in your podcast app or find links to listen at https://lnk.to/hyperfocusPS!adhdexperts. Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.

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 Parenting™, learn how calming dysregulation creates lasting change.When your nervous system has been under chronic stress—whether from childhood experiences or ongoing life demands—it adapts to survive. That can leave you living in a constant state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, even when life looks “fine” on the outside.This episode uncovers a powerful truth: it's not just stress. It's the deeper connection between trauma, hormones, and gut health that can keep you stuck in a cycle of dysregulation.Why can't my body settle down?When your nervous system has been under chronic stress—whether from childhood experiences or ongoing life demands—it adapts to survive.That can leave you living in a constant state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, even when life looks “fine” on the outside.This isn't a mindset issue. It's a body-based response.And over time, that dysregulation doesn't just affect emotions—it impacts your gut, immune system, and hormones, too.Does trauma always have to be extreme?Many people think trauma has to be extreme to count. But in reality, it often shows up in quieter ways, like:Growing up in a tense or critical homeFeeling like you had to be perfect to stay safeNot having emotional support or validationThese experiences shape how your nervous system responds to stress. You may have become high-achieving, independent, or “put together”—but underneath, your system may still feel unsafe.Why do anxiety, brain fog, and overwhelm suddenly spike during perimenopause and menopause?For many women, everything seems manageable—until it suddenly isn't.Perimenopause and menopause can act as a tipping point because hormone shifts lower your stress tolerance. That's when you might notice:Increased anxiety or irritabilitySleep disruptionsBrain fog or low moodFeeling overwhelmed by things you used to handleIt's not random. It's your body signaling that it can't compensate anymore.Yelling less and staying calm isn't about being perfect—it's about having the right tools.Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it.Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletterWhat is the gut–brain–hormone loop?Chronic stress raises cortisol, and over time, that can disrupt your gut in significant ways:Weakening the gut lining (often called “leaky gut”)Altering healthy bacteriaIncreasing inflammationFrom there, the gut sends distress signals back to the brain, affecting mood, focus, and emotional regulation.Add hormone fluctuations into the mix, and the system becomes even more reactive. This is why healing has to address the whole body—not just symptoms.How do patterns get passed down?One of the most important takeaways? Kids don't just inherit your genes—they absorb your nervous system patterns.If you're constantly overwhelmed, reactive, or anxious, your child's system learns that as the baseline. But the opposite is also true: when you create calm, you model regulation.