Wondering why your child struggles with focus, mood, or emotional outbursts? Could a gene be amplifying ADHD, anxiety, and dysregulation, increasing stress sensitivity? Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation First Parenting™, shows parents how to decode behavior and calm the brain effectively.

If you’ve tried everything and your child still melts down, struggles to focus, or seems stuck in fight-or-flight, you’re not failing. You’re not alone.

In this episode, I dive into how a gene could be amplifying ADHD, anxiety, and dysregulation and, most importantly, what you can do to calm the brain and create real change.

Why does my child seem more reactive than other kids, even with good parenting?

When a child’s nervous system is already under pressure, genetic factors can lower their stress tolerance. Genes like MTHFR don’t cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, or emotional dysregulation—but they can amplify vulnerability when combined with chronic stress, genetic and environmental influences, and other risk factors.

This matters because research shows ADHD and related psychiatric disorders have a complex genetic architecture involving multiple genes, gene–environment interactions, and socioeconomic factors.

Key takeaways:

1. Genes involved can affect detoxification, inflammation, and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin
2. Stress exposure fills the “stress cup” faster
3. Behavior is communication—not a character flaw

Real-Life Example: Two kids have the same school day. One recovers quickly. The other melts down for hours. Same environment—different genetic susceptibility, highlighting how genetic and environmental influences shape responses to everyday stress.

Could MTHFR really impact ADHD symptoms, anxiety, or emotional regulation?

Yes—but not in the scary way social media makes it sound. MTHFR is one of many genetic variations affecting methylation, the process that helps the body clear stress hormones and inflammatory byproducts. When methylation is sluggish, the sympathetic nervous system stays activated longer, making recovery from stress more difficult.

Findings suggest kids with ADHD symptom dimensions, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, or major depressive disorder may struggle more with recovery after stress—especially when genetic and socioeconomic interplay, genetic and environmental influences, and other environmental risk factors pile up.

What parents often notice:

1. Heightened anxiety & emotional volatility
2. Slower recovery after meltdowns
3. Sensitivity to medications or supplements

This doesn’t change the ADHD diagnosis—but it helps explain why regulation takes more effort in some children, even with supportive parenting and structured routines.

If you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling like nothing works…

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Meltdowns and mood swings aren’t random—they’re signals from a stressed nervous system. This episode reveals 5 hidden ways your child’s meltdowns and mood swings connect to mental health struggles, often long before a diagnosis. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation First Parenting™, brings decades of expertise in childhood emotional dysregulation to guide parents with clarity and hope.

Parenting a child with intense reactions can feel exhausting and isolating. You’re not alone. Many parents see frequent meltdowns, sudden mood swings, or resistance to change and worry, “Am I missing something?” These behaviors aren’t just “bad days”—they’re signals your child’s brain is struggling to regulate.

In this episode, I share five predictive nervous system signals I’ve identified over decades of working with thousands of children. You’ll learn how to recognize early warning signs of mental health challenges, support regulation, and change your child’s trajectory—long before labels or diagnoses appear.

Why does my child have frequent meltdowns after small frustrations?

Low frustration tolerance is one of the clearest early indicators of mental health concerns and challenges in a child’s mental health. Children who overreact to minor setbacks often struggle to pause, reflect, and problem solve under stress.

Key takeaways:

1. Explosive reactions aren’t misbehavior—they indicate a dysregulated nervous system.
2. Recovery matters: kids who struggle to calm down are at risk for anxiety, impulsivity, and emotional volatility.

Parent example: A 7-year-old melts down every time homework is hard. After co-regulation exercises and consistent scaffolding, these outbursts gradually lessen.

How do restrictive eating habits signal mental health struggles?

Children who resist textures, smells, or new foods may have a nervous system stuck in stress mode, experiencing the world as unsafe. This can affect a child's sleep patterns, emotional regulation, and even academic performance.

Tips for parents:

1. Observe patterns in eating—they can reflect underlying distress, not just picky behavior.
2. Work with occupational therapists for sensory support.
3. Ensure nutritional balance to support emotional health and overall well being.

🗣️ “Behavior is communication. When we calm the nervous system, we change the trajectory of mental health.” — Dr. Roseann

Why is difficulty transitioning such a red flag?

Struggling with transitions—from play to homework or screen time to bedtime—is linked to weaker executive functioning and cognitive flexibility. This affects school performance, social relationships, and the ability to manage stress.

Parent strategies:

1. Set clear expectations and give...

Struggling with constant sibling fights? Learn how to help siblings get along when one is dysregulated as Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, shares practical strategies to calm nervous systems, restore connection, and support every child’s emotional growth.

Feeling stuck in constant sibling fights? You’re not alone. When one child is dysregulated, it can feel like refereeing a never-ending WWE match in your own home. But the good news? This isn’t about bad behavior—it’s about nervous system regulation.

In this episode, I break down why sibling conflict happens, how emotional dysregulation impacts neurotypical siblings, and practical strategies for supporting siblings so the whole family can feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

Why does my child fight more with their sibling than others?

Sibling conflict isn’t just about personality clashes—it’s often a nervous system issue. When one child’s brain is dysregulated, impulse control drops and neutral interactions can feel threatening. This stress spreads across the family, impacting other children and family dynamics.

Key takeaways:

1. Regulate first: Calm the dysregulated child before problem-solving.
2. Name it: Explain, “Your sibling’s brain is having a hard time—it’s not because of you.”
3. Protect siblings: Give safe spaces, predictable attention, and permission to step away.

Parent example: One mom noticed her neurotypical child withdrawing during board games while her dysregulated younger child exploded. Simply creating a calm, structured activity time reduced tension and restored connection.

How can I support my child while still giving attention to their sibling?

It’s tempting to split attention equally, but equity doesn’t mean identical. A struggling child may need tailored support, while other kids still need recognition to avoid resentment.

Tips for practice:

1. Schedule one-on-one time with each child, even 10–15 minutes daily.
2. Use family routines and predictable activities to lower stress for the entire family.
3. Normalize dysregulation: “We all have hard moments—brains get overwhelmed.”

🗣️ “Sibling conflict isn’t about fairness. It’s about felt safety. When one child's nervous system is on fire, everyone else really can be struggling too.” — Dr. Roseann

Quick CALM is a powerful tool for families. It helps kids take deep breaths, regulate emotions, and reset their nervous system before tension escalates.

What strategies actually reduce sibling tension in daily life?

Focusing on regulation rather than punishment changes the game. Instead of forcing apologies or correcting behavior in the moment, lead with calm.

Practical strategies:

1. Regulate first, teach later: One calm response can shift the whole family’s...