If you’ve ever wished you could peek inside your child’s brain during a meltdown or when they completely shut down, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving into QEEG brain maps—one of the most powerful, yet most underused tools for understanding what’s really driving big emotions, focus issues, and chronic dysregulation.

For three decades, I’ve watched families bounce from diagnosis to diagnosis… ADHD, anxiety, “behavioral issues.” And while those labels can be helpful, they’re often surface-level.

A QEEG lets us look under the hood so we can finally stop guessing. Because when we calm the brain first, everything else follows.

Why So Many Kids Get the Wrong Diagnosis

Parents are often told their child has ADHD simply because they’re unfocused or overwhelmed. But ADHD criteria are broad—so broad that almost any dysregulated kid can fit the checklist. That’s why so many families show up after trying meds, OT, tutoring, and therapy with little or no progress.

A QEEG changes that.

This quantitative brain map shows where the brain is overactive, underactive, or disconnected, and those patterns tell us far more than a checklist ever could. I’ve done over 10,000 brain maps, and they consistently reveal what teachers, therapists, and even doctors miss.

A Real Story: When ADHD Wasn’t ADHD

One mom, Sarah, came to me after years of trying to help her son Jack. He had an ADHD diagnosis, but nothing worked—not medication, not OT, not therapy.

His brain map showed focus issues, yes… but more importantly, it pointed to learning and executive functioning patterns that suggested dyslexia. After a deeper history and a follow-up evaluation at school, dyslexia was confirmed.

Suddenly everything made sense. Jack didn’t need a stronger stimulant—he needed a reading intervention. Once we supported his brain through neurofeedback and the right academic supports, the whole picture changed.

This kind of story is far too common.

Want to stay calm when your child pushes every button?

Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit—your step-by-step guide to stop oppositional behaviors without yelling or giving in.

Go to www.drroseann.com/newsletter and grab your kit today.

QEEG vs EEG: What’s the Difference?

An EEG is a medical tool used to detect seizures. A QEEG—or quantitative EEG—measures the brain’s electrical activity and compares it to normative data.

It’s:

• Painless
• Noninvasive
• Done with a soft cap and sensors
• Designed to map overactivity, underactivity, and connectivity

Think of it like getting a satellite image of your child’s brain weather patterns—where storms are brewing, where things have gone quiet, and where communication lines are overloaded.

What Dysregulation Looks Like on a Brain Map

A dysregulated brain can’t shift smoothly between states—calm, alert, focused. On a QEEG, that shows up as:

• Underactivity → brain fog, low motivation, slow processing
• Overactivity → big emotions, anxiety, OCD-like reactions
• Chaotic connectivity → trouble transitioning, rigid thinking,...

Parenting a child who goes from calm to chaos in seconds can feel exhausting. You try everything—deep breaths, gentle words, even walking away—and still, the meltdowns come. You’re not alone.

When kids struggle with big emotions, there’s often a hidden root cause inside the body—and minerals play a much bigger role than most parents realize.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aaron Hartman to unpack the powerful connection between minerals, mitochondria, and meltdowns—and how nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation can help your child regain balance and calm.

Why does my child melt down when they’re “just tired or hungry”?

When your child seems to unravel at the smallest thing, it’s not bad behavior—it’s biology. Mineral imbalances directly affect how their nervous system fires.

• Low magnesium or zinc deficiency can make the brain more reactive to stress.
• When blood sugar drops from skipping meals or eating too many processed foods, the body burns through nutrients fast—leading to irritability, anxiety, or panic attacks.
• A deficient diet full of additives and low in whole foods affects serotonin, dopamine, and other key neurotransmitters.

When we calm the brain first and nourish the body, meltdowns start to fade.

Takeaway: A balanced diet rich in real food, protein, and calming minerals helps stabilize your child’s emotions and energy.

Need quick relief while you work on those root causes? Try Quick Calm—my proven method to calm the brain fast so you and your child can reset and start fresh.

Could my child’s mood swings be linked to mineral deficiencies?

Absolutely. Research continues to show how essential minerals affect mental well-being and brain function.

Here’s what parents need to know:

• Zinc deficiency is linked with attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), depression, and poor immune function.
• Magnesium supports relaxation and sleep by calming overactive neurons.
• B vitamins and vitamin D play a critical role in serotonin production—affecting mood and focus.
• Too much copper or exposure to heavy metals can worsen anxiety, aggression, and brain fog.

HTMA testing (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) can reveal these hidden imbalances, helping you target the root cause instead of chasing symptoms.

🗣️“When your child’s body is missing key nutrients, their brain can’t regulate emotions—no matter how many coping tools you teach.” –Dr. Roseann

What are simple ways to boost my child’s mineral intake naturally?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire pantry overnight. Start small—consistency is what matters most.

• Choose whole foods over processed snacks. Think nuts, seeds, eggs, leafy greens, and clean proteins.
• Add trace minerals or electrolyte drops to water for gentle, steady support.
• Use zinc supplements or a high-quality multivitamin only when guided by a practitioner.
• Cook with healthy fats (omega-3-rich oils, avocado, grass-fed butter) to enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Involve your kids—make it fun with family “squat-offs” or walks after...

Parenting a child, tween or teen who swings from calm to chaos in seconds can leave you walking on eggshells. One minute they’re fine, and the next—doors slam, voices rise, and you’re wondering what just happened. You’re not alone. Those big mood swings aren’t “attitude.” They’re signals that your child’s nervous system is in distress.

Let’s dive into the hidden clues your child's, tween’s or teen’s nervous system is in trouble, how to decode them before they explode, and practical steps to bring calm back to your home.

Why does my kid overreact to small things?

When your child melts down over a lost pencil or a simple “no,” it’s not defiance—it’s a sign of an overwhelmed nervous system. Their brain is already running on empty, and even a tiny trigger can send them over the edge.

What this means:

• Overreactions = stress overload. Their stress cup is full, and every little thing spills over.
• Persistent irritability or mood whiplash can signal emotional dysregulation, not disrespect.
• Physical signs like chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, or stomach pain often accompany these reactions.

🗣️ “Behavior is communication. Once you learn to read these cues, you stop reacting to the behavior and start guiding your child back to calm.” –Dr. Roseann

Why can’t my kid calm down after getting upset?

If your teen stays upset long after the conflict ends, that’s a clue their body’s stress response hasn’t shut off. Their stress hormones keep them on high alert, making it hard to return to balance.

Try this:

• Regulate first. Take one deep breath before engaging. When you calm your brain, it helps theirs settle too.
• Name the shift. Say, “I can see this feels really big for you.” Validation lowers the nervous system threat.
• Use micro-resets. Short breaks, snacks, or movement stop the spiral.

Remember: the more calm happens, the more calm happens.

Is shutting down or saying “I don’t care” a warning sign?

When teens go silent, refuse to talk, or withdraw, it’s often freeze mode, not attitude. This happens when their nervous system feels unsafe or overwhelmed—a common sign of emotional strain or unresolved trauma.

Look for:

• Sudden withdrawal from friends or activities
• Changes in eating or sleep habits—like skipping meals, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent nightmares
• Physical complaints such as headaches, stomach pain, or fatigue

A trauma-informed approach helps teens feel seen, not shamed. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.

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 in the heat of the moment.

Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and take the first step to a calmer home.

Why does my child struggle with focus or schoolwork?

Stress doesn’t just...