Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More That Builds Emotional Regulation

• 338: 5 Therapist-Recommended Sensory Tools That Actually Help Kids Regulate

  Parenting a child with sensory challenges can feel like a guessing game. One day a fidget toy works, the next day it’s tossed across the room. That’s because it’s not about the object—it’s about the strategy behind it. Sensory tools aren’t quick fixes, but when chosen with intention, they can transform how your child responds to stress, transitions, and everyday demands.In this episode, I’ll share 5 therapist-recommended sensory tools that actually help kids regulate—not just distract them. You’ll learn how to match tools to your child’s sensory needs, whether they’re bouncing off the walls or shutting down from overload.With the right sensory input, kids can build body awareness, reduce anxiety, and settle into calmer routines at home, in the classroom, and even at bedtime.Why does my child melt down even when I give them fidget toys?You’ve filled the bins with fidget toys and sensory tools, but the meltdowns keep coming. You’re not alone.The truth is, fidgets can distract, but they don’t always provide the sensory input a child’s nervous system really needs.Here’s what to remember:Fidgets don’t work for every child—some kids need deep pressure to calm, others need movement or vestibular input to focus.Look for signs of sensory seekers and avoiders: crashing into couch cushions, covering ears at loud noises, refusing certain textures, or zoning out in busy places.Behavior is communication. A meltdown is your child’s nervous system saying, “I can’t handle this input.”The right sensory tool matters. Matching tools to your child’s unique sensory processing needs is what leads to real regulation.🗣️ “It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. When we learn how our child responds to sensory experiences, the right tools finally make sense.” – Dr. RoseannWant to stay calm when your child pushes every button?Become an 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.What sensory tools actually calm my child’s nervous system?Not all sensory toys are created equal. The right tools give the sensory input your child’s nervous system needs—whether that’s calming an over-aroused brain or waking up an under-aroused one.Here are 5 therapist-recommended sensory tools that actually help kids regulate:Weighted items (blankets, vests, stuffed animals): Provide deep pressure that has a calming effect. Best used in short bursts of about 20 minutes to support better sleep and reduce anxiety.Movement tools (swings, trampolines, yoga ball, peanut ball): Give vestibular input and help kids reset their focus. Just a few minutes of movement before homework or classroom transitions can make a big difference.Oral input tools (chewy straws, crunchy snacks): Calm the nervous system through jaw stimulation. Great for picky eaters, children with ADHD, and kids who need extra input to stay focused.Fidgets with tactile features (putty, clickers, stress balls): Provide tactile stimulation that supports self-regulation during seated tasks or transitions.Visual and auditory tools (lava lamps, calming music, noise-canceling headphones): Reduce overstimulation and create a calming effect at home, in classrooms, or during therapy...

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• Special Episode: The MAHA Report Reveals Shocking Truths About Kids’ Mental Health

  Parenting today feels overwhelming—and it’s not your imagination. The latest Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report reveals shocking truths about kids’ mental health and shows us just how deep this childhood chronic disease crisis runs.Our children are carrying the weight of poor diet, chronic stress, environmental exposures, and endless screen time—and it’s affecting not just their moods but their overall health. As parents, it’s easy to wonder, “Is this just my child?” or “Am I doing something wrong?”Let me reassure you—it’s not bad parenting, it’s a dysregulated brain. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what the report means for American children’s health and, most importantly, share practical steps you can take to calm the brain first, build resilience, and protect your child in today’s overstimulating world.Why are so many American children struggling with mental health?Parents are searching for answers because the numbers in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report are staggering:Teen depression has doubled in recent years.Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for teens, rising 62% since 2007.Loneliness is at epidemic levels—73% of young adults report feeling isolated.Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism continue to rise at alarming rates.These aren’t just statistics from a government assessment. They represent the nation’s health and, more importantly, our kids. The MAHA Commission—led by Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—noted that the potential drivers of this crisis include ultra processed foods, poor physical activity, environmental chemicals, and chronic stress.This isn’t just a public health concern—it’s a matter of national security when so many American children of the same age are struggling with preventable mental and physical health conditions. The Human Services Department and National Institutes call this the biggest children’s health crisis in modern U.S. history.Key Takeaways:It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. Behavior is communication, and we need to calm the brain first.Environmental chemicals, ultraprocessed foods, and chronic stress are fueling this crisis in American children’s health.Over-reliance on medicine and medication isn’t fixing outcomes. The root causes—nutrition, stress, sleep, environmental exposures, and screen time—must be addressed.What hidden drivers of kids’ health problems should parents know about?The MAHA Report shines a light on what’s fueling the rise in dysregulation, ADHD, anxiety, and depression in kids today:Poor diet: 70% of children’s calories now come from ultra-processed foods, leaving their brains starved of the nutrients they need to focus, learn, and regulate emotions.Environmental exposures: Everyday chemicals—like pesticides and microplastics—interfere with hormones and raise risks for autism, ADHD, and other mental health struggles.Chronic stress & sleep loss: Exhausted kids can’t bounce back; lack of rest is draining their resilience.Technology overuse: Children average nine hours of non-school screen time daily, and social media alone doubles the risk for anxiety and depression.Over-medicalization: Prescriptions for ADHD, anxiety, and depression keep rising, yet long-term outcomes aren’t improving.🗣️ “You don’t need to fix everything at once. Start small—like creating tech-free evenings or swapping one processed snack for a whole food option.” – Dr. RoseannIf you’re tired of...

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• 337: Why Picky Eating Might Not Be Behavioral—It’s Biological

  If every mealtime in your house feels like a showdown—tears, gagging, or flat-out refusal to try a bite—you’re probably exhausted and worried. You’ve bent over backwards with rewards, consequences, and endless negotiations, yet nothing seems to work. I want you to know—you’re not alone.In this episode, I’ll share why your picky eater’s behavior is more than just “being fussy,” the biological factors that may be driving your child’s picky eating habits—from sensory sensitivities to gut health—and how you can bring more calm (and more healthy foods) back to the dinner table.Why does my child’s picky eating feel like a constant battle?If every mealtime feels like tug-of-war, you’re not imagining it. What looks like “bad behavior” is often your child’s biology at work. Many kids aren’t refusing food out of stubbornness—they’re reacting to sensory sensitivities or a stressed nervous system.When we understand that picky eating is often about dysregulation instead of defiance, everything starts to shift.Here are a few truths I want you to hold onto:Behavior is communication. Food refusal can be your child’s way of saying, “This feels overwhelming.”Sensory triggers are real. Textures, smells, and even temperatures can set off strong reactions.It’s not bad parenting. Picky eating is a sign of a dysregulated brain—not a reflection of your efforts.Power struggles backfire. The more meals feel like a battle, the harder it is for your child to feel safe around food.Your child isn’t spoiled or dramatic—they’re struggling. And when we calm the nervous system first, we can bring more peace (and variety) back to the table.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.What biological factors cause picky eating in kids?If your child’s picky eating feels bigger than just “not liking vegetables,” you’re right—biology often plays a huge role.Research, including twin studies from King’s College London, shows that both genetic factors and environmental factors shape how kids develop food preferences. That means picky eating isn’t about willpower or stubbornness—it’s about what’s happening inside your child’s body and brain.Common biological roots of picky eating include:Gut issues like dysbiosis or inflammation that can shift cravings and digestionNutritional deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, B6) that impact appetite and mood regulationNeurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, or OCD that make eating more restrictiveEarly feeding experiences (reflux, choking, low muscle tone) that create stress around foodGenetics—studies show identical twins share more picky eating behaviors than fraternal twinsConnections to other eating disorders such as ARFID, which can overlap with restrictive eating patterns and disordered eating behaviorsIn some cases, body image concerns may show up in older kids or teens, further complicating eating habits🗣️ “Picky eating in kids isn’t about being spoiled or difficult—it’s biology shaping eating habits. Once you understand the root cause, you can take steps that actually help.” – Dr. RoseannHow can I help my picky eater try new foods without a...

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• 336: 5 Signs Your Child is Emotionally Dysregulated (Not Defiant!)

  Parenting a child who pushes back at every turn can feel downright draining. You’ve tried the time-outs, the sticker charts, the consequences—yet the meltdowns keep coming. It’s easy to start second-guessing yourself or wondering if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not alone. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.In this episode, I’ll show you why what looks like defiance is actually emotional dysregulation—a nervous system issue, not a character flaw. We’ll walk through the five signs your child is emotionally dysregulated, not defiant, and I’ll give you practical, brain-based steps you can use to calm the storm and move forward with hope.Why does my child overreact to small problems?One of the biggest giveaways of emotional dysregulation is when kids have big feelings over little things. Maybe it’s the broken crayon, the wrong-colored cup, or being asked to do five more minutes of homework.These disproportionate reactions are a sign that your child’s nervous system is in overdrive. It isn’t bad behavior—it’s your child’s body signaling stress overload.For younger children, this often looks like temper tantrums. For older children, it may show up as irritability, anger, or even shutting down. No matter their age, these big emotions tell you that their emotional regulation skills need support.The key question to ask yourself is: Is this their go-to response? If your child is regularly melting down over small problems, it’s not about being oppositional or defiant. It’s a clear sign they’re struggling with:Emotional regulationSelf control and coping skillsA dysregulated brain that needs help returning to calmWhen you reframe these moments as emotional dysregulation rather than “bad behavior,” it shifts how you respond. Instead of getting caught in power struggles, you can focus on calming the brain first—because that’s where real change begins.Why does my child stay upset long after a problem is solved?Some kids just can’t seem to let go. Even after the situation is over, they’re still stuck in those big emotions long after everyone else has moved on.This isn’t about holding a grudge—it’s their nervous system getting caught in a stress loop. No matter how much reassurance you give, they may replay the moment again and again.That’s what emotional dysregulation does: it traps kids in the feeling and blocks them from practicing self regulation on their own.So what helps? Co-regulation. Your child’s behavior is communication, and what they need most is your calm presence. That means:Keeping your tone soft and steadyModeling deep breaths and slowing your body downStaying close so they feel safe, even if they don’t accept comfort right away🗣️ “Your child isn’t choosing to stay upset—they’re stuck in a stress loop. When you calm your own nervous system, you give their brain the roadmap back to regulation.” – Dr. RoseannWhen we, as parents, stay calm first, we give our kids the emotional skills and examples they need to eventually regulate their own emotions.Why does my child reject comfort when upset?It’s heartbreaking when you reach out to comfort your child and they push you away, scream, or even call you names. While it feels like rejection, what’s really happening is that their brain is flooded and their nervous system can’t take in more input.A dysregulated child often can’t receive comfort until their body begins to settle. These emotional responses aren’t about disrespect or bad behavior—they’re stress-driven survival mode. And remember, even adults sometimes need space before they can calmly re-engage.What...

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• 335: The Hidden Link Between Gut Issues and Emotional Dysregulation in Kids

  Have you ever wondered why your child melts down after the smallest stressor—no matter what strategies you try? It can leave you drained, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not alone. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.In this episode, we uncover the hidden link between gut issues and emotional dysregulation in kids. You’ll learn how the gut-brain connection affects mood, behavior, and focus—and discover practical steps to support both your child’s emotional well-being and their gut microbiome at home.Why does my child melt down after eating certain foods?Many parents tell me they notice their child’s behavior shifts right after meals—but what they don’t realize is that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in emotional regulation.Food sensitivities like gluten, dairy, and artificial dyes can spark systemic inflammation, which shows up as mood swings and behavior changes.Constipation and poor gut health allow toxins to recirculate, affecting both emotional well-being and even pain perception.A leaky gut—or increased intestinal permeability—lets harmful substances enter the bloodstream, disrupting the brain and nervous system.So if your child melts down after eating, it may not be “just behavior.” It’s communication from the gut-brain axis—and your child’s body is asking for help.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.How are gut issues connected to emotional dysregulation?Most parents assume the gut is only about digestion, but it actually has a direct line to the central nervous system and your child’s mental health. When the gut is off balance, your child’s ability to regulate emotions, focus, and cope with stress takes a hit too.Did you know that up to 90% of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and attention, is made in the digestive tract? That means your child’s gut isn’t just helping them process food—it’s helping them manage emotions and stay calm.When there’s gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of beneficial gut bacteria), kids are more likely to struggle with heightened anxiety, depressive symptoms, and poor emotional regulation.Chronic stress and an unhealthy gut microbiome create a feedback loop that keeps kids stuck in cycles of emotional distress and behavioral challenges.🗣️ “When the gut is inflamed, the developing brain can’t function at its best—leading to struggles with emotional well-being, focus, and even sleep disturbances.” — Dr. RoseannCould my child’s diagnosis be linked to poor gut health?Parents of kids with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or mood disorders are often so focused on managing daily symptoms that they overlook something powerful—the gut. Yet research shows that the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in all of these conditions.When the gut is out of balance, the brain struggles to do its job—and kids feel it in their mood, behavior, focus, and even sleep.Take ADHD, for example:Gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in gut bacteria—can interfere with dopamine and serotonin production.Since these neurotransmitters are key for attention and impulse...

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