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

About this episode

This episode discusses emotional dysregulation in kids and how it relates to the nervous system, providing insights and strategies for parents.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Topics covered

• emotional dysregulation
• nervous system
• parenting strategies
• behavior management
• mental health

Keywords

• emotional dysregulation
• nervous system
• behavior communication
• ADHD
• anxiety
• parenting
• mental health

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