Episode 555: The Dysregulated Kid: Anxiety, OCD, Eating Challenges & More

What if the behaviors that frustrate, worry, or confuse you most aren't the real problem? What if anxiety, OCD, emotional outbursts, picky eating, and even focus issues are all clues pointing to something deeper?

In this eye-opening episode, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, parenting expert, and author of The Dysregulated Kid. With more than 30 years of experience helping children and families, Dr. Roseann explains how nervous system dysregulation may be at the root of many common childhood struggles, including anxiety, OCD, emotional reactivity, picky eating, ARFID, and behavioral challenges.

Together, Rebecca and Dr. Roseann discuss why regulation must come before learning, coping skills, discipline, and even therapy. They explore practical ways parents can support both their children and themselves, while offering hope for families who feel overwhelmed or stuck.

This conversation may completely change the way you view your child's behavior.

Key Takeaways

→ Behavior is often a clue, not the problem.

→ A dysregulated nervous system can look like anxiety, ADHD, OCD, emotional outbursts, or lack of focus.

→ Parents are their children's emotional anchors and co-regulation matters.

→ ARFID and severe picky eating are often connected to nervous system and sensory challenges.

→ Small, consistent regulation practices can create powerful long-term changes.

If this episode helped you see your child through a new lens, please share it with another parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver.

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https://whinypaluza.com/

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whinypaluza-podcast/id1534167756