Calm Connection Parenting | Neurodivergent, Meltdowns, Emotional Regulation, DMDD, Tantrums, SPD, Defiance, Angry Behaviors

By Jami Kirkbride LPC, Parenting Coach for Emotional Dysregulation and Executive Functioning

Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Description

Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally! Tired of walking on eggshells… dreading the next meltdown? Exhausted by big emotions. defiance, and disobediance? Wondering why “traditional" parenting advice backfires with your strong-willed child?

 

I’m glad you’re here. This podcast helps you understand what’s behind your child's behavior, so you can respond with calm, stop second-guessing yourself, and build real connection with your neurodivergent or uniquely wired child. 

 

Hi, I’m Jami… a mom of seven, professional counselor turned parenting coach, speaker, and author. And yes, even with training, I found myself stuck in the same cycle so many parents live in: meltdown… reaction… guilt… repeat. I was doing all the things that were “supposed” to work… but they didn’t. 

 

Everything changed when I stopped treating behavior like the problem and started looking underneath it. When I learned to understand my child’s unique wiring (personality, sensory processing, executive functioning, and emotional needs), I finally had a roadmap. I didn’t need more tips… I needed clarity and a plan. And that clarity changed things. 

 

If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and stop parenting in survival mode, you’re in the right place. We’ll talk meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, defiance, ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, and more… along with practical steps that help your family move from chaos to calm… one episode at a time. 

 

So grab your coffee, find your quiet spot (if you have one), and let’s jump in. 

 

Start here: Take the FREE Emotional Forecast Quiz at CalmConnectionParenting.org and find your next best step.



Episode Date
Do You Feel Lonely or Isolated Parenting a Child with ADHD, DMDD, or Emotional Dysregulation?
Jun 10, 2026
Always on Alert? Why Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Struggle to Rest
Jun 03, 2026
The Hidden Costs of Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with ADHD, Meltdowns, or Challenging Behaviors
May 27, 2026
Why Parenting a Child with ADHD, DMDD, or Challenging Behaviors Can Wear Down Even the Strongest Mom
May 21, 2026
How to Advocate Confidently for Your Child at School: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Accommodations
May 14, 2026
Is Your Child Struggling at School… or Is Something Being Missed? Emotional Dysregulation, DMDD, ADHD, and the Signs Often Overlooked
May 06, 2026
84. Parenting Burnout, Anxiety, and PTSD: How to Calm Your Nervous System and Get Out of Survival Mode with Lori Owens
Apr 28, 2026
83. When Your Space Adds to Your Stress: How Clutter, Overwhelm, and Home Organization Affect Moms Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (with Bee Organized and Megan Gervais)
Apr 20, 2026
82. How to Stay Calm During Your Child’s Meltdowns (Nervous System Regulation for Parents of Emotionally Intense Kids) with Hunter Clarke Fields
Apr 14, 2026
81. Why Your Child Overreacts and Takes Everything Personally (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Emotional Dysregulation in Kids) with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Apr 06, 2026
80. Why Your Child’s Meltdowns Aren’t Bad Behavior- Emotional Dysregulation in Kids Explained with Kirk Martin
Mar 31, 2026
79. Why Your Child Struggles with Tasks, Motivation, and Follow-Through --Executive Function Explained with Leslie Josel
Mar 24, 2026
78. Sensory Processing and Meltdowns in Kids – Understanding the Out-of-Sync Child with Carol Kranowitz
Mar 18, 2026
77. Why Some Kids Have Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors: A Fresh Look at Emotional Dysregulation with Penny Williams
Mar 11, 2026
76. How Do I Choose the Right Support or Parent Coaching for ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation? What You Need to Know
Mar 05, 2026
75. How Do I Help My Emotionally Intense Child Build Emotional Regulation Skills? Three Easy Ways to Start Today
Mar 03, 2026
74. When You’ve Tried Everything for Your Emotionally Dysregulated Child and It Still Isn’t Enough- Maggie Diemer
Feb 26, 2026
73. How Do I Parent My Child Without Yelling When I’m Overwhelmed Too? Three Simple Ideas If You Feel You're Losing It
Feb 24, 2026
72. Why Does My Neurodiverse, ADHD, or DMDD Child Fall Apart After School or Activities?
Feb 19, 2026
71. Why DoesTraditional Parenting Advice Make My ADHD or DMDD Child’s Meltdowns Worse?
Feb 17, 2026
70. What Do I Do Before, During, and After a Meltdown With An Emotionally Dysregulated Child?
Feb 12, 2026
69. How Do I Calm My Child When Nothing Seems to Work? Parenting Guidance for Meltdowns
Feb 10, 2026
68. The Fastest Way to Escalate a Meltdown…Why Saying “Calm Down” To A Child With ADHD or DMDD Backfires
Feb 06, 2026
67. Meltdown vs.Tantrum: What's the Difference in this Emotional Dysregulation (And Why It Matters)
Feb 04, 2026
66. Parenting Through Anxiety and Uncertainty: How to Stay Calm When Your Child’s Needs Affect Your Mental Health
Jan 27, 2026
65. Am I Doing Something Wrong… or Is My Neurodivergent Child Wired Differently? Understanding Meltdowns
Jan 21, 2026
64. Why Does My Child Have Such Big Reactions to Small Things? Emotional Dysregulation Explained
Jan 14, 2026
63. When One Parent Wants Help for Your Child's Emotional Dysregulation or ADHD and the Other Hesitates
Jan 08, 2026
62. Parenting Emotional Dysregulation: Why Your Word for the Year Matters More Than Another Resolution
Dec 31, 2025
61. When Life Doesn’t Give You What You Expected: Christmas Through the Eyes of Mary
Dec 23, 2025
60. Parenting A Neurodivergent Child Through the Holidays When Families Don’t Understand Emotional Regulation
Dec 22, 2025
59. When the Holidays Feel Heavy: Parenting Emotional Dysregulation Without Losing Your Peace
Dec 17, 2025
58. Parenting an Emotionally Dysregulated Child During the Holidays: Simple Ways to Reduce Meltdowns and Increase Peace
Dec 10, 2025
57. Refusal and Emotional Dysregulation During Holidays: How to Get the MOST Out of the Season With A Neurodivergent Child
Dec 03, 2025
56. Sibling Conflict and Emotional Dysregulation: Finding Peace in a Hard Holiday Season
Nov 25, 2025
55. How to Find Gratitude While Parenting A Child With Emotional Dysregulation (Even in the Hard Seasons)
Nov 17, 2025
54. Holiday Overwhelm and Emotional Dysregulation: How to Create Calm for Your Child (and You!)
Nov 11, 2025
53. Why “Fun Days” Aren't Fun for Emotionally Dysregulated Kids: Understanding Holiday Triggers, Meltdowns, and Sensory Overload
Nov 04, 2025
52. Sensory Processing and Emotionally Dysregulated Kids: It’s Not Just in Their Heads | Sensory Processing Awareness
Oct 27, 2025
51. 5 ADHD Myths That Commonly Hurt Children And The Truth That Offers Hope--ADHD Awareness Month
Oct 21, 2025
50. Real Parent Questions: Family Doesn’t Understand Meltdowns & When to Seek Help
Oct 15, 2025
49. After-School Restraint Collapse: Why Your Child Holds It Together at School and Falls Apart at Home
Oct 08, 2025
48. From Chaos to Calm: Celebrate 1 Year of Parenting Tips, Top Episodes, and Milestones
Oct 01, 2025
47. Suicide Prevention: Parenting Tips to Help Kids Through Emotional Dysregulation and Suicidal Thoughts with Safety and Support
Sep 24, 2025
46. First Steps After Your Child’s DMDD, ADHD, or Mental Health Diagnosis: Find Calm, Clarity, and Hope
Sep 17, 2025
45. Explaining ADHD, DMDD, and Emotional Dysregulation So Kids Can Understand: The Race Car Brain Analogy
Sep 10, 2025
44. ADHD, DMDD, Emotional Dysregulation, or Neurodivergence—If, What, When, and How to Tell Your Child
Sep 03, 2025
43. Dealing with the Emotions of a Child’s Diagnosis—ADHD, DMDD, Anxiety, Neurodivergence and More
Aug 27, 2025
42. Helping Kids with ADHD, Anxiety, and Emotional Dysregulation Through Back to School Transitions: Conversations That Build Calm
Aug 20, 2025
41. Back-to-School Success for ADHD or Emotionally Dysregulated Kids-- A Parent's Guide
Aug 13, 2025
40. What Legacy Will You Leave as a Parent? Calm, Connected Parenting That Matters
Aug 06, 2025
39. Ten Effective Strategies Parents Need to Calm Emotional Dysregulation in Kids-- A Listener Favorite
Jul 24, 2025
38. The Parenting Burnout No One Talks About: Trying So Hard With An Emotionally Dysregulated Child and Still Getting Nowhere
Jul 09, 2025
37. How One Mom Healed Her Brain with Small Movements—And Helps Emotionally Dysregulated and Sensory-Sensitive Kids Too
Jul 03, 2025
36. How to Support Executive Functioning During Summer: Calm, Doable Strategies That Actually Work
Jun 26, 2025
35. Why Parenting With Calm and Empathy Feels So Hard When Your Child Is Emotionally Dysregulated or Screaming
Jun 19, 2025
34. DMDD, ADHD, and Anxiety, Oh My! The Real Reasons They’re Melting Down—and What Helps
Jun 11, 2025
33. Frustrated with Meltdowns on Vacation? Top Five Hacks to Enjoy A Fun Family Vacation and Manage Emotional Dysregulation
Jun 05, 2025
32. Emotional Dysregulation in Kids: 10 Effective Strategies to Help Your Child Calm Down
May 28, 2025
31. Emotional Support Animals: An Effective Tool for Emotional Dysregulation and Highly Sensitive Children
May 23, 2025
30. Why Play Is Essential for Parenting Emotionally Intense, Highly Sensitive Children (Emotional Regulation… Bonus!)
May 12, 2025
29. Let’s Choose Less: Why Simplifying Life Helps Highly Sensitive and Emotionally Dysregulated Kids Thrive
May 07, 2025
28- Why Kids Say Hurtful Things — And Real Strategies to Help Your Child with Overwhelm and Emotional Dysregulation--with Dr. Roseann Copanna Hodge
May 01, 2025
27- Why Is My Child So Aggressive? Insights and Solutions for Parents of Emotionally Dysregulated and Highly Sensitive Kids
Apr 24, 2025
26- Parenting A Child With Emotional Dysregulation—The Best Tool You’ll Find to Understand and Advocate for Their Needs-- With Holly Provan
Apr 17, 2025
25-- Intentional Parenting: Key to Managing Emotional Dysregulation and Meltdowns-- Kids ARE the Instruction Manual
Apr 10, 2025
24-- The Biggest Parenting Mistake When Handling Your Child's Emotional Dysregulation—And How to Avoid It
Apr 03, 2025
23-- Parenting A Child with Mental Health Challenges: Navigating Emotional Dysregulation and Finding Hope
Mar 27, 2025
22-- How Sensory Processing Disorder Impacts Highly Sensitive and Emotionally Dysregulated Kids: Our Family's Story
Mar 20, 2025
21-- When Emotional Dysregulation Affects the Whole Family: Five Keys to Help Siblings Survive and Thrive
Mar 13, 2025
20-- Are Meltdowns and Emotional Dysregulation Just a Phase or Will They Last Forever?
Mar 07, 2025
19-- Three Most Common Triggers for Emotional Dysregulation in Kids and What You Can Do to Help Find Calm
Feb 28, 2025
18-- Why Traditional Parenting Methods Don’t Work for Emotionally Dysregulated and Highly Sensitive Kids (And What Parenting Guidance Does)
Feb 21, 2025
17-- Four Tips for Effective Self-Care That Strengthen and Calm You as Your Child’s Advocate
Feb 12, 2025
16-- A Parent's Roadmap to Understanding Emotional Dysregulation in Children: Key Factors Behind Challenging Behaviors
Jan 09, 2025
15-- New Year, New Focus: How to Thrive as A Parent of A Uniquely Wired Child (Even With ADHD or DMDD in Your Home!)
Dec 29, 2024
14--This Isn’t What I Imagined: The Christmas Story Through Mary’s Eyes--When Parenting Isn't What You Expected
Dec 17, 2024
13-- What You Need to Know: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support for Parenting DMDD
Dec 11, 2024
12-- Parenting Through the Holidays: When Families Don't Understand the Struggles of Emotional Dysregulation and Challenging Behaviors
Dec 05, 2024
11-- Taking the Chaos Out of Christmas: 3 Practical Tips for Finding Peace and Calm for Parents
Nov 27, 2024
10--When Holidays Hurt: Managing Complicated Feelings and Emotional Dysregulation Amid the Festivities
Nov 21, 2024
9--Creating an Attitude of Gratitude: Strategies for Your Family Even When You're Battling Challenging Behavior and Emotional Dysregulation
Nov 14, 2024
8--From Stuck to Strong: Overcome Parenting Fears and Overwhelm with Faith and Connection
Nov 07, 2024
7--10 Crucial Things Every Parent Needs to Know About ADHD and ADHD Symptoms
Oct 31, 2024
6--How to Use Personality to Parent Effectively: Navigating Your Child's Emotional Needs and Challenging Behavior
Oct 23, 2024
5--Understanding A Child's Personality: Key to Unlocking Your Child's Emotions and Behavior
Oct 17, 2024
4--How to Understand and Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child
Oct 04, 2024
3--What You Need to Know...The Secret Behind Your Child’s Big Emotions
Oct 01, 2024
2--Tough Lessons Learned About Parenting Meltdowns and Challenging Behaviors
Oct 01, 2024
Calm Connection Parenting Trailer
Sep 30, 2024