You’ve Tried Everything… Here’s Why Your Child Still Struggles | Emotional Dysregulation | E371

If you’re exhausted and wondering Why Your Child Still Struggles despite trying everything, this episode explains what’s really going on. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, founder of Regulation First Parenting™, reveals how nervous system dysregulation—not parenting failure—blocks real change.

​​If you’re exhausted from trying therapy, medication, behavior charts, or every tip the internet throws at you, you’re not alone. So many parents reach out after years of effort, still confused about their child’s behavior and why change never seems to stick.

Today, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening inside a dysregulated brain—because this isn’t about willpower, effort, or “trying harder.” It’s about calming the nervous system first so kids can learn, grow, and handle difficult emotions in healthier ways.

Why does my child still struggle even after therapy, meds, and behavior charts?

If you feel like you’ve done “all the things” and nothing sticks, you’re not alone.

Most parents are given strategies that target symptoms instead of calming the nervous system first. And when a child’s brain is stuck in survival mode, problem solving skills, self regulation, cooperation, frustration tolerance, and even basic listening become neurologically impossible.

Megan’s story says it all. After years of OT, speech, CBT, and multiple meds, her son Jack still couldn’t transition, follow directions, manage anxiety, or regulate emotions. She felt defeated — but the real problem wasn’t effort… it was sequence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Behavior is communication, not defiance.
2. A dysregulated nervous system pulls the prefrontal cortex offline.
3. You can’t teach children skills during dysregulation.
4. It’s not bad parenting — it’s a dysregulated brain.

Many kids struggle not because they’re unmotivated, but because their brain is overwhelmed.

At school, with friends, or during transitions, your child may be struggling to manage frustration, think clearly, or solve problems—so lectures and consequences often bounce right off.

🗣️ “You haven’t tried everything — you’ve just been shown what to try first in the wrong order.” — Dr. Roseann

Why does my child fall apart even though they’re smart and capable?

Smart kids can still get stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. When the limbic system takes over, language, frustration tolerance, and cooperation shut down—this is why children struggle, even when a child who “knows better” suddenly can’t listen, transition, or self-regulate.

Look for clues:

1. Sudden irritability
2. Avoidance
3. “I won’t” moments that are truly “I can’t”
4. Micro-signs of dysregulation before the meltdown

Parent tip: Start observing your child like a detective — the little signals matter.

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

Get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit and finally learn what to say and do...