The Dysregulated Kid®
The Parenting Playbook for Helping Your Child Find Calm in a Chaotic World
By Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and bestselling author.
Calm the brain first—and everything else follows.
A science-backed parenting guide for helping dysregulated kids find calm—starting with the nervous system.
If parenting feels harder than it should, you’re not alone.
You may be wondering:
Why does my child lose it over the smallest things?
Why don’t rewards, consequences, or charts work?
Why does it feel like I’m trying so hard…
and nothing is changing?
You are not failing.
You’re missing the foundation most parenting advice skips—how to calm the nervous system first.
The Dysregulated Kid
Join me in my mission ⮕
INDEPENDENT EDITORIAL RECOGNITION
A BookLife Editor’s Pick
The Dysregulated Kid® earned Editor’s Pick honors from BookLife, a Publishers Weekly platform recognizing standout books of exceptional quality. Read more
Here’s Why Nothing Has Worked (Yet)
Most parenting strategies are introduced after a child is already dysregulated
—when the brain can’t access self-control, learning, or logic.
When the brain is calm, behavior follows.
“This book was the first thing that ever explained why nothing was working and actually what to do.”
— Jessica, mother of two
This Book Is for Parents Who Are Exhausted—and Ready for Real Answers
The Dysregulated Kid is an emotional regulation book for parents that provides a science-backed, Regulation-First® approach to helping children feel calmer, more connected, and better able to thrive.
Meltdowns, anxiety, impulsivity, refusal, shutdowns, and emotional outbursts aren’t signs of defiance or bad parenting.
They’re signs of a dysregulated nervous system.
From Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and bestselling author with 30+ years of experience and firsthand insight from interpreting over 10,000 brain maps of dysregulated kids.
What You’ll Learn Inside The Dysregulated Kid
This isn’t theory. It’s a practical playbook for real life.
- Decode what your child’s behavior is really telling you
- Stop the cycle of yelling, bribing, and punishing
- Co-regulate during meltdowns and emotional overload
- Stay calm when your child isn’t
- Use science-backed nervous system resets in under 10 minutes
Build focus, resilience, and emotional regulation that lasts
INDEPENDENT EDITORIAL REVIEW
A parenting guide built for real life.
“Capanna-Hodge draws from her personal experiences as a parent to two boys as much as her professional expertise, providing parents with boots-on-the-ground techniques that have been tested in real life.”
Why This Approach Works When Others Don’t
Regulation isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill. And skills can be taught.
Children build regulation through repeated experiences of:
- Calm, regulated adult responses
- Predictable, safe interactions
- Connection before correction
“This is the one resource I wish I had sooner.”
— Tucker, Parent
Parents Like You Need
This Book If…
ᝰ You’ve tried therapy, rewards, or consequences and still feel stuck
ᝰ Your child is reactive, anxious, emotional, or overwhelmed
ᝰ School, transitions, or daily routines feel like battles
ᝰ You want a brain-based approach that fits real life
ᝰ You’re looking for calm—not control
ᝰ Parenting feels harder than it should
ᝰ You want your child to self-regulate and be resilient
Imagine Your Days Feeling
Like This Instead…
✓ Fewer meltdowns—and faster recoveries
✓ Less walking on eggshells
✓ More cooperation and connection
✓ A child who feels understood
✓ A calmer, more confident parent
When regulation comes first, the entire family changes.
PRAISE FOR THE DYSREGULATED KID®
What leading experts are saying
“Putting the nervous system first isn’t just groundbreaking—it’s a practical lifeline every parent wishes they had sooner.”
“Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge translates brain science into clear, actionable steps. This book shifts parenting at its core, making calm and resilience achievable for families.”
“The Dysregulated Kid changes how we see behavior. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge shows parents how to calm the nervous system first, creating connection, safety, and real lasting change. Every family needs this book.”
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and mom—with over 30 years of experience helping dysregulated kids and their families.
She is the host of the Dysregulated Kids podcast, with over 2 million downloads, where parents and professionals turn for clear, nervous-system–based answers to today’s biggest emotional and behavioral challenges.
Through decades of clinical work—and lived experience—Dr. Roseann discovered a truth most parenting advice misses: when we calm the nervous system first, everything changes—behavior, learning, and emotional health.
The Dysregulated Kid brings this science-backed approach to parents in a way that is compassionate, practical, and doable, even in the middle of real-life stress.
Featured on NBC, CBS, and FOX—and named “the thought leader in children’s mental health” by Forbes—Dr. Roseann bridges brain science with real-world strategies parents can use every day.
For Educators, Therapists and School Professionals
While written for parents, the principles in The Dysregulated Kid are transformative for any professional who works with children. You’ll find practical tools and a new lens for understanding behavior that will shift how you approach your classroom or practice.
More early praise from experts
Hear from clinicians, educators, authors, and advocates who have read The Dysregulated Kid.
“As a family physician, I see the consequences of chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation show up every day—in behavior, sleep, mood, and physical health. The Dysregulated Kid shifts parenting in the most important way possible by putting the nervous system first. This book offers a science-backed, whole-child approach that aligns beautifully with what we see in clinical practice: Regulation must come before behavior change. A must-have book for parents, pediatricians, and educators.”
“Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has written the parenting book that truly addresses the epidemic that is facing our children today. This book uses neuroscience and an essential foundation of regulation to guide parents in practical tools for calm and connection with their child. The Dysregulated Kid is a brilliant addition to any home library.”
“The Dysregulated Kid is a breakthrough in the parenting and child psychology field. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge weaves together decades of research in attachment, neuroscience, and polyvagal theory into an accessible, highly practical guide. Her approach offers both clinicians and parents a powerful new framework for understanding and supporting kids. This book will be an essential resource for anyone working to nurture emotional regulation and resilience.”
“For every parent who has ever felt lost, alone, or like a failure, this book is a lifeline. It dismantles the shame and blame that so often accompany parenting a child with big emotions and behaviors, and replaces it with compassion, connection, and confidence. This is more than a book; it’s a therapeutic journey.”
“In our modern society, we need to revise how we conceptualize emotional dysregulation in children. We are overdue for a paradigm shift, moving beyond behaviorism to embrace and apply recent developments in neuroscience and clinical practice. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s framework and especially her guidance resonated with me; while reading the book, I often thought I couldn’t agree more.”
“As an ADHD parent coach who’s worked with thousands of families, I know how often parents are told to ‘just be more consistent.’ Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge flips that narrative. The Dysregulated Kid helps parents understand the real root of behavior—nervous system dysregulation—and shows how calm, connected parenting starts with co-regulation, not control.”
“Every parent needs Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s toolbox. This book will help you manage your own big emotions so you can support your kids when they struggle with theirs!”
“Children today are growing up in a world that overwhelms their nervous systems affecting their gut-brain-immune axis. The Dysregulated Kid meets this reality head-on and gives parents practical guidance that actually fits modern family life—priceless!”
“Every parent needs to know how important and impactful nervous system regulation is. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has created an incredible resource that explains nervous system dysregulation and all the real-life challenges it causes. Most importantly, she covers the safest, most effective, evidence-based strategies to address it. Every parent needs this book!”
“Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge skillfully translates complex neuroscience into a clear, compassionate, and practical parenting framework. The Dysregulated Kid makes nervous system regulation accessible in ways that truly support families and the clinicians who work with them.”
“The Dysregulated Kid offers parents and educators a practical toolkit to help children manage emotions, reactions, and behavior. I especially appreciate the emphasis on regulating ourselves first, and the CALMS Dysregulation Protocol gives families a clear, usable framework for navigating blowups, tantrums, and everyday challenges. The stories throughout the book bring these ideas to life in a way that feels relatable and empowering.”
“As a pediatrician and a mom, I understand the need for supporting emotional regulation in kids. The Dysregulated Kid is a valuable resource for any parent dealing with meltdowns or outbursts in their kids or teens. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge offers both expertise and lived experience to provide actionable and relatable guidance to help parents improve dynamics at home. She teaches effective, science-backed, and compassion-based tools to bring change effecting generations to come.”
“I work with parents who are at their breaking point. They’ve tried every parenting strategy. They’ve read every book. They’re exhausted and hopeless. This book is the one that finally works.”
“This is not a book just for parents of a dysregulated child; this is a book for all parents because their kids are being raised today in a dysregulated world. This book is filled with sound advice that will make the lives of parents and children much better in today’s hectic world. A must-read for all parents today.”
“I raised my kids between the times of Dr. Spock and the advent of computers. It was a pretty blissful time. But raising kids was still hard. There weren't any books that guided us. Even the most regulated children face challenges that parents must address. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge helps us understand our kids and how to help guide them. This book should be a first baby shower gift for all new moms, so the new mom has it on hand and can reach for it over and over again. Every mom deserves to have support and not feel alone. Here it is!”
“This book is a must-read for every parent whether you feel your child is dysregulated or not. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s Regulation First Parenting is not only practical and effective; it is the secret to getting ahead of challenges that inevitably develop if nervous system regulation in both parent and child is not addressed. I wish this book was available when I first had my kids—I will recommend it for every parent moving forward.”
“As a physician who specializes in treating children with PANS and PANDAS, I am always looking for resources to provide to both parents and other clinicians to help them understand the behavioral interventions that are actionable and effective to help these children heal. Parenting dysregulated children does not follow traditional methods at all. Punishments or attempts at logical conversations are wholly ineffective and often worsen the episodes. Restoring safety will help these children regulate, and be compliant and resilient. The Dysregulated Kid is a vital resource for anyone encountering these children. If schools employed this book as a training manual for all teachers, more of these children would remain in school. This is a great resource, and I give it my highest recommendation.”
PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET IMMEDIATE NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT
When you pre-order The Dysregulated Kid before it launches on September 22, 2026, you’re reserving your copy and unlocking exclusive bonuses created to support families before the book even arrives.
These bonuses are only available to pre-order customers.
CALMS Protocol™ Quick Start Digital Guide
A simple, one-page roadmap to start regulating right away. This guide gives you the exact first steps to take on a hard day, so you have a clear plan when emotions run high.
CALMS Protocol™ Printable Scripts
Stop searching for the right words in a stressful moment. These printable scripts and visual cues give you calm, supportive language to use when your child is dysregulated, helping you respond with confidence.
Reset to Regulate™ Intro Guide
Understand the brain science behind why calming comes before correction. This guide explains the “why” in a way that finally makes sense, empowering you to parent with intention instead of reaction.
Total Bonus Value: $77 — Yours FREE When You Pre-Order Today!
Preorder bonuses are limited and will not be available after launch on September 22, 2026.
Pre-Order today and get your Bonuses
Step 1
Order from any of the retailers below by CLICKING ON THEIR LOGO.
USA AND WORLDWIDE
CANADA
Step 2
Fill out the form below:
Step 3
Check your email for instructions on how to access your bonuses!
CALMS Protocol™ Quick Start Digital Guide to give you the exact first steps to take on a hard day, so you have a clear plan when emotions run high.
CALMS Protocol™ Printable Scripts + Visual Reminders to give you calm, supportive language to use when your child is dysregulated.
Reset to Regulate™ Intro Guide to understand the brain science behind why calming comes before correction.
What makes this different from other parenting approaches—like gentle parenting or traditional discipline?
Most parenting books focus on what to do after behavior has already escalated. Others debate how strict or gentle you should be.
The Dysregulated Kid focuses on what needs to happen first: calming the nervous system so learning, listening, and self-control are even possible.
This isn’t about permissiveness or removing limits. It’s about timing.
Boundaries and strategies only work when a child’s brain is regulated enough to process them. When the nervous system feels safe, kids can hear guidance, learn from mistakes, and build real self-control—without power struggles or escalation.
That’s why many parents say this book finally explains why nothing else worked—and gives them a path forward that actually makes sense.
We've already done therapy, charts, consequences, and routines. Why would this work now?
Because most strategies fail when they’re used after a child is already dysregulated—when the thinking brain is offline.
This book teaches you how to regulate first, so everything else you’ve tried has a chance to actually stick. For many families, this becomes the missing foundation that makes other supports finally effective.
What if my child's behavior feels extreme—or we've been struggling for years?
Even when behaviors feel intense or long-standing, the nervous system still follows the same principles because this approach prepares the brain before you try to teach, correct, or guide behavior.
When regulation comes first, many parents find that strategies they’ve already tried finally begin to work—because the nervous system is ready to receive them.
Are children's behavioral problems on the rise?
According to official CDC figures updated in 2023, pediatric ADHD diagnoses have surged by over 37% over the last two decades, representing more than 6 million children. In the textbook, The Dysregulated Kid, clinical school psychologist Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge demonstrates that this rise corresponds directly to traditional compliance-driven parenting modeling failures.
How much time does this really take? I'm already overwhelmed.
You don’t need hours, complicated systems, or perfect consistency.
The strategies in this book are designed to work in under 10 minutes a day, woven into everyday moments. Small, repeated regulation creates bigger change than intense, unsustainable efforts. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Is this book only for kids with diagnoses like ADHD or anxiety?
No. This book is for any parent or anyone that works with kids: because all kids dysregulate sometimes.
It is an emotional regulation book for parents who want practical, regulation-first guidance whether or not their child has a diagnosis.
Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, the nervous system-first approach helps. Many parents find this book explains why their child struggles and gives them tools that work regardless of diagnosis.
How do I invite Dr. Roseann to speak at my organization, school, or conference?
Dr. Roseann partners with schools, organizations, and conferences to help adults better understand dysregulated behavior through a nervous-system-first lens.
Her keynotes and trainings are practical, science-backed, and deeply relatable—designed to help educators, clinicians, and leaders shift from managing behavior to supporting regulation.
To explore speaking topics, formats, or availability, contact Dr. Roseann’s team using the form below. Her team will guide you through the next steps:
For Public Schools – click here.
Can our organization order The Dysregulated Kid in bulk or bring CALMS Protocol™ training to our team?
Yes. Many schools, districts, organizations, and conferences choose to purchase The Dysregulated Kid in bulk to support shared learning and consistent language around regulation.
Bulk orders can also be paired with professional development, workshops, or CALMS Protocol™ Certification opportunities to help teams apply a regulation-first approach in real life—not just theory.
If you’re interested in bulk pricing, educator resources, or bringing CALMS Protocol™ to your organization, reach out through the contact form and Dr. Roseann’s team will walk you through the options.
Can I license Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s frameworks, tools, or training materials?
Yes. Licensing opportunities may be available for qualified professionals, educators, practices, schools, organizations, and partners who want to use Dr. Roseann’s proprietary frameworks, tools, and educational materials in an ethical, authorized way.
Whether you are interested in using resources with clients, integrating concepts into a program or training, purchasing materials in bulk, or exploring a professional partnership, we would love to hear from you.
I’m a journalist, producer, or podcast host. How do I submit a media inquiry?
Dr. Roseann is a nationally recognized children’s mental health expert and the host of the Dysregulated Kids podcast, with over 2 million downloads.
She regularly speaks with media about emotional dysregulation, parenting, ADHD, anxiety, school challenges, and why calming the nervous system first changes everything.
For media, press, or podcast inquiries, contact her team here and include your outlet, topic, and timeline.
Who wrote The Dysregulated Kid?
The Dysregulated Kid was written by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, bestselling author, and mom with more than 30 years of experience helping dysregulated kids and their families.
—it’s a lack of skills. Now I understand my child with empathy rather than frustration,
and the book gives me actionable steps that actually work.”
– Raquel, Parent
Your days don’t have to be defined by meltdowns, power struggles, and exhaustion.
A calmer, more connected family is possible. It all starts when you learn to calm the brain first.
Pre-order The Dysregulated Kid today and give yourself a clear plan for the moments that feel hardest.
Remember: The exclusive bonuses are only available until the book launches on September 22, 2026. After that, they won’t be offered again.
Want to Bring The Dysregulated Kid to More People?
Choose the option that fits your role — each one is built specifically for your audience,
with the right tools, training, and support included.
FOR PARENTS
Ignite
Calms
Get the book for yourself and your support system — plus simple tools to help calm the chaos at home.
Starts at 3 books
CALMS Value Bundle Included
PARENT GROUPS
Book Club
& Group Programs
Run a structured book club or parent workshop experience — with guided tools and resources for discussion.
At 10 books
Bonus Guide + 25% discount
FOR SCHOOLS
Bring CALMS to Your School
Align staff, families, and classrooms with practical, regulation-first strategies — without adding another initiative.
100 books | $22.00 /copy
Keynotes & trainings available
ORGANIZATIONS & EMPLOYERS
Build & Lead CALMS
Help your team with a practical nervous system community toolkit to fuel connection and certification.
100 books | $23.00/copy | CALMS Professional + CE/CME credits
FOR CLINICIANS & PROFESSIONALS
Professional CALMS Collective
Earn 6 CE/CME credits, get a practical, regulation-first framework you can easily introduce with clients and patients.
25 books + 1 CE/CME event | Professional facilitator materials
We’re taking The Dysregulated Kid® on the road! Meet Dr. Roseann, grab a signed copy, and be part of the Regulation First® movement.See The Dysregulated Kid Book Tour stops near you.
“I believe this is a resource that all parents will find incredibly helpful and actionable.”
“A calmer child starts with a regulated nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge breaks down exactly how to support that balance in a way that feels doable, practical, and far from overwhelming. I believe this is a resource that all parents will find incredibly helpful and actionable.”
“The Dysregulated Kid offers parents a science-backed, compassionate roadmap to calm the nervous system, strengthen connection, and raise resilient kids in a chaotic world.”
“With warmth, wisdom, and practical guidance, this book helps readers understand the underlying brain and body issues and provides actionable, real-life steps to reset a nervous system gone haywire, whether it’s the child’s or your own. I love this book!”
INTERESTED IN BRINGING THIS WORK TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
→ Book Dr. Roseann for a Keynote → Media & Podcast Inquiries → Bulk Book Orders for Schools & Organizations
The Dysregulated Kid is Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s parenting book—a science-backed guide for helping dysregulated kids find calm.
THE DYSREGULATED KID PODCAST | DR. ROSEANN’S WEBSITE | THE REGULATED CHILD SUMMIT | SOLUTION MATCHER
The information, products, programs, and services provided by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC are for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended as medical or mental health advice. Individual results vary, and no specific outcomes are guaranteed.
© Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. All rights reserved. This work is protected. Don’t copy it. Don’t teach it. Don’t share it without permission. Dr. Roseann’s proprietary frameworks, methods, names, and materials are protected by copyright and trademark law. Want to bring this work to your people? Licensing is available. Contact us.
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