Is Your Child Addicted to Video Games? The 4 Warning Signs l Emotional Dysregulation in Children l E401
About this episode
Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge discusses the signs of video game addiction in children and the role of emotional dysregulation.
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 frustration Statements like “You’re ruining my life!” Aggression or total emotional shutdown Real-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…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge
Topics covered
- video game addiction
- emotional dysregulation
- parenting strategies
- nervous system
- behavioral issues
Keywords
- video games
- addiction
- dysregulation
- parenting
- behavior
- nervous system
- stimulation
- withdrawal
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