THE
PARENT PODCAST
Regulate First:
Helping Dysregulated Kids Find Calm
with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - Understanding the Dysregulated Nervous System
10:17 - Regulate, Connect, Then Correct
21:18 - Small Tools That Create Lasting Change
Resources from
this episode:
Show Notes
In this episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, hosts Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno welcome back Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to discuss why nervous system regulation is foundational to helping children and parents navigate stress, anxiety, difficult behaviors, and emotional overwhelm. Dr. Roseann breaks down dysregulation and co-regulation while sharing simple tools parents can use to create more calm and capacity in everyday life. From the "love pause" to micro moments of regulation, this conversation shows why changing your child's behavior often starts with regulating yourself first.
Understanding the Dysregulated Nervous System
Hosts Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno welcome back Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge for a conversation about the growing mental health challenges facing children and parents. Dr. Roseann explains dysregulation as the nervous system struggling to move between calm and stress states, and shares how anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, and everyday stress can all affect a person's capacity to regulate. She also introduces the "stress cup" analogy to show how seemingly small stressors accumulate until children—and adults—have little capacity left to handle life's challenges.
Regulate, Connect, Then Correct
The conversation explores co-regulation and the powerful influence a parent's nervous system can have on a child. Dr. Roseann explains that children can "borrow our calm," which is why parents need to regulate themselves before trying to teach, discipline, or correct behavior. Instead of immediately reacting to difficult behavior, she encourages parents to look at it as a nervous system clue and follow a simple sequence: regulate first, create connection, and then move into correction and teaching.
Small Tools That Create Lasting Change
Dr. Roseann shares practical "micro moments of regulation" that families can incorporate throughout the day, including breathing exercises, humming, tapping, grounding, rocking, and what she calls the "love pause"—pausing, breathing, and then responding. She explains why practicing these techniques during calm moments makes them easier for the nervous system to access when stress hits. The conversation closes with her upcoming book, The Dysregulated Kid, and an encouraging reminder that small, consistent regulation practices can create meaningful changes for parents, children, and future generations.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
THE
PARENT PODCAST
Regulate First: Helping Dysregulated Kids Find Calm
with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Show Notes
In this episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, hosts Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno welcome back Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to discuss why nervous system regulation is foundational to helping children and parents navigate stress, anxiety, difficult behaviors, and emotional overwhelm. Dr. Roseann breaks down dysregulation and co-regulation while sharing simple tools parents can use to create more calm and capacity in everyday life. From the "love pause" to micro moments of regulation, this conversation shows why changing your child's behavior often starts with regulating yourself first.
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - Understanding the Dysregulated Nervous System
10:17 - Regulate, Connect, Then Correct
21:18 - Small Tools That Create Lasting Change
Understanding the Dysregulated Nervous System
Hosts Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno welcome back Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge for a conversation about the growing mental health challenges facing children and parents. Dr. Roseann explains dysregulation as the nervous system struggling to move between calm and stress states, and shares how anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, and everyday stress can all affect a person's capacity to regulate. She also introduces the "stress cup" analogy to show how seemingly small stressors accumulate until children—and adults—have little capacity left to handle life's challenges.
Regulate, Connect, Then Correct
The conversation explores co-regulation and the powerful influence a parent's nervous system can have on a child. Dr. Roseann explains that children can "borrow our calm," which is why parents need to regulate themselves before trying to teach, discipline, or correct behavior. Instead of immediately reacting to difficult behavior, she encourages parents to look at it as a nervous system clue and follow a simple sequence: regulate first, create connection, and then move into correction and teaching.
Small Tools That Create Lasting Change
Dr. Roseann shares practical "micro moments of regulation" that families can incorporate throughout the day, including breathing exercises, humming, tapping, grounding, rocking, and what she calls the "love pause"—pausing, breathing, and then responding. She explains why practicing these techniques during calm moments makes them easier for the nervous system to access when stress hits. The conversation closes with her upcoming book, The Dysregulated Kid, and an encouraging reminder that small, consistent regulation practices can create meaningful changes for parents, children, and future generations.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 120,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 120,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699