Episode
Emotional Dysregulation in Kids: The Nervous System Signs You Might Be Misreading l Nervous System Strategies l E396
- Published
- Apr 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 994
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://drroseann.com/podcast/
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Summary
When big reactions or shutdowns take over, it may be more than behavior—emotional dysregulation in kids often starts in the nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, helps parents decode these signals and guide kids back to calm. If you’re exhausted from trying to manage your child’s behavior, you’re not alone. When kids struggle with big feelings, it’s easy to assume it’s defiance, ADHD, or mood disorders. But here’s the truth: behavior is communication—and it often starts with a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot early signs of emotional dysregulation, understand what’s really driving your child’s reactions, and discover simple ways to support emotional regulation and long-term mental health. Why does my child have emotional outbursts over small things? When your child has big emotional reactions to small triggers, it’s not manipulation—it’s physiological arousal . Their nervous system is in overdrive. Signs of overactivation: Explosive anger or impulsive behavior Anxiety spirals, especially at bedtime Low frustration tolerance and frequent temper tantrums Difficulty focusing (often mistaken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ) What’s really happening: The brain is stuck in fight-or-flight . The emotional center is running the show, and your child can’t access problem solving or effective emotion regulation, making it hard to manage their own emotions or understand their own feelings. Real-Life Example: Your child melts down over homework—not because they don’t care, but because their brain feels overwhelmed and unsafe, leaving them unable to regulate their own emotions or make sense of their own feelings. Why does my child shut down or seem unmotivated? Not all emotional dys…