Author Released Book on Managing Childhood Dysregulation
A new parenting guide offers strategies for families to help children find calm during moments of emotional stress.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Parenting
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Therapist and school psychologist Roseann Capanna-Hodge has released a new book titled The Dysregulated Kid: The Parenting Playbook for Helping Your Child Find Calm in a Chaotic World. The guide focuses on helping parents understand their child's nervous system to better manage emotional reactions.
Why it matters
Understanding the science behind dysregulation can help parents support children when their frontal lobes go offline during stressful moments. This approach provides a practical framework for maintaining household calm by addressing the child's nervous system directly.
The book draws on 30 years of experience as a therapist and school psychologist to address child emotional management. It introduces a three-second pause technique for parents and suggests 60-second micro activities for nervous system regulation.
The players
Roseann Capanna-Hodge
A therapist and school psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience who authored the parenting guide The Dysregulated Kid.
The details
When a child becomes dysregulated, their frontal lobes essentially go offline, limiting their ability to process logic or follow directions. Parents can intervene by using a three-second pause and deep breathing, which helps the child co-regulate through the parent's calm state. The book suggests simple, 60-second micro activities—such as prayer, walking, or focused breathwork—to help reset the child's nervous system.
Timeline
The book was published on 2026-09-27.
The Home Front
This release aligns with the broader shift toward neuro-informed parenting strategies that emphasize biological regulation over traditional behavioral modification. It reflects a wider trend of parents seeking clinical tools to manage household stress and emotional volatility in children.
Consider practicing a three-second pause when household tensions rise to help keep your own nervous system steady. You can also integrate simple, one-minute activities like walking or breathing into your daily routine to proactively help your child manage stress.
The takeaway
The core insight is that a child's dysregulation is a physiological event where they literally cannot process information due to their brain state. When you feel a conflict escalating, attempt the three-second pause and incorporate a 60-second activity to help your child regain calm.
Further reading
For more guidance on supporting children through developmental milestones, explore our Parenting resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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