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

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

Ranked in the top 3% 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.

  1. 4D AGO

    When Your Space Adds to Your Stress: How Clutter, Overwhelm, and Home Organization Affect Moms Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (with Bee Organized and Megan Gervais)

    Is your home adding to your stress? When you are parenting a child with big emotions, neurodivergent needs, or constant unpredictability, clutter and disorganization can quietly add to the overwhelm you are already carrying. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Gervais of Bee Organized Northern Colorado for a conversation about how your environment affects your mood, nervous system, and capacity as a parent. We talk about the connection between clutter and emotional overwhelm, why organizing can feel so vulnerable, and how creating calm in your space can support more peace in your home. If your bedroom, pantry, laundry room, or other everyday spaces have started to feel heavy, chaotic, or overstimulating, this episode will encourage you and give you a fresh way to think about what is possible. In this episode, we cover:  how clutter can increase stress and overstimulation  why your home environment affects your nervous system  the connection between trauma, life transitions, and disorganization  how professional organizing can create customized, sustainable systems  where to start when your whole house feels overwhelming  why creating calm in one space can make a bigger difference than you think This is a practical, encouraging episode for moms who feel buried by the emotional load of parenting and want one area they can begin to change. Register for the FREE Parenting Summit!  Resources mentioned: Bee Organized Northern Colorado https://www.facebook.com/beeorganizednoco/ Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    30 min
  2. APR 14

    How to Stay Calm During Your Child’s Meltdowns (Nervous System Regulation for Parents of Emotionally Intense Kids) with Hunter Clarke Fields

    How to stay calm during your child’s meltdowns. Learn nervous system regulation tools for parents of emotionally dysregulated or ADHD kids—and what actually helps.  How DO you stay calm when your child is melting down… and everything in you wants to react? If you’re parenting a child with emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, ADHD, or intense emotional reactions, you already know… It’s not just your child who feels overwhelmed in those moments. You do too. In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often overlooked) pieces of parenting emotionally intense kids- your nervous system. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: • The difference between stressors and triggers and why both impact your parenting • Why it’s so hard to stay calm during your child’s meltdowns (and what’s actually happening in your nervous system) • Simple, practical ways to begin regulating your own responses in the moment • Why your child needs to “borrow your calm” and how that shapes their emotional regulation You’ll hear from Hunter Clarke-Fields, mindfulness mentor and author of Raising Good Humans, as she explains why parents get triggered, what’s really happening in the brain during stressful moments, and how to begin shifting from reactive to responsive. When you understand how to regulate yourself…You change everything for your child. This episode is part of our Summit Spotlight series, giving you a glimpse into the kind of powerful, practical support available inside: Calm in the Chaos: Real Tools for Raising an Emotionally Dysregulated or Neurodivergent Child  Registration is now OPEN Save your free spot here: https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/kirkbride or Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org and find the link in the home page banner.  And if you found yourself wanting more from this conversation… You’ll also have the opportunity to unlock the full session library from last year’s summit—including extended sessions from experts like Hunter, Penny Williams, Kirk Martin, and Dr. Roseann. 💛 You don’t have to keep doing this the hard way… There is a path forward. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    23 min
  3. Why Your Child Overreacts and Takes Everything Personally (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Emotional Dysregulation in Kids) with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

    APR 6

    Why Your Child Overreacts and Takes Everything Personally (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Emotional Dysregulation in Kids) with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

    Why your child takes everything personally. Learn how emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) impact kids with ADHD, DMDD, or mood disorders—and what you can do to help.  Why does your child take everything so personally, overreact to small things, or melt down over what seems like minor situations? If you’re parenting a child with emotional dysregulation, ADHD, or intense emotional reactions, this episode may unlock a powerful missing piece. In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—a lesser-known but incredibly important factor behind big emotional reactions in kids. You’ll hear from Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading expert in emotional and behavioral dysregulation, as she explains why some children experience intense reactions to perceived criticism or rejection—and what parents can do to support them. When you understand what’s really happening beneath the behavior, everything begins to shift—from frustration and confusion… to clarity, calm, and connection. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why emotional dysregulation and meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—but signals of nervous system overload • What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is and why it’s so common in kids with ADHD • How to recognize when your child is reacting to perceived rejection vs. actual events • A simple but powerful shift in how you respond that can reduce conflict and build connection This episode is part of our Summit Spotlight series, leading up to: ✨ Calm in the Chaos: Real Tools for Raising Emotionally Intense or Neurodivergent Children 🎉 Registration is now OPEN If you’re ready to better understand your child’s big emotions and learn strategies that actually work… 👉 Save your spot here! Calm Connection Parenting Summit 2026 If this episode resonated with you, come join us inside the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook group where we’re continuing the conversation and supporting each other along the way. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    22 min
  4. Why Your Child’s Meltdowns Aren’t Bad Behavior- Emotional Dysregulation in Kids Explained with Kirk Martin

    MAR 31

    Why Your Child’s Meltdowns Aren’t Bad Behavior- Emotional Dysregulation in Kids Explained with Kirk Martin

    Why your child’s meltdowns aren’t bad behavior. For kids with emotional dysregulation, DMDD, or ADHD, these moments are opportunities—not problems.  For many children, especially those with emotional dysregulation, ADHD, or strong-willed personalities, meltdowns aren’t bad behavior… they’re a signal. In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm, to reframe how we see meltdowns and show how these challenging moments can become opportunities for connection, teaching, and growth. When we shift how we respond, we can begin to reduce power struggles and help our kids learn how to handle frustration and big emotions. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why meltdowns and emotional dysregulation are not bad behavior • How to respond in the moment without escalating the situation • Simple ways to help your child feel safe, seen, and in control • How to turn everyday struggles into opportunities for connection and growth This episode is part of our Summit Spotlight series, leading up to the upcoming parenting summit... ✨ Calm in the Chaos: Real Tools for Raising Emotionally Intense or Neurodivergent Children Join us inside the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook group to connect with other parents, get support, and be the first to hear when registration opens. If you’re raising a child with big emotions, frequent meltdowns, or challenging behaviors, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective—and practical tools you can start using right away. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    31 min
  5. 79. Why Your Child Struggles with Tasks, Motivation, and Follow-Through --Executive Function Explained with Leslie Josel

    MAR 24

    79. Why Your Child Struggles with Tasks, Motivation, and Follow-Through --Executive Function Explained with Leslie Josel

    Why does your child struggle with tasks, focus, and follow-through? For kids with ADHD, DMDD, SPD, PDA, and executive function challenges, it’s not laziness—it’s how their brain works. In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Leslie Josel, award-winning ADHD student and parenting coach, to break down what executive function really is and why it impacts your child’s ability to manage time, complete tasks, regulate emotions, and stay motivated. When we understand what’s happening beneath the surface, we can move from daily frustration to practical, supportive strategies that actually work. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why executive function challenges make tasks, transitions, and follow-through difficult • How ADHD and executive dysfunction impact motivation, time management, and emotional regulation • Why what looks like “laziness” is often overwhelm and difficulty sustaining effort • Simple ways to support your child with more cooperation and less conflict This episode is part of our Summit Spotlight series, featuring expert insights from the Calm Connection Parenting Summit as we lead up to an exciting upcoming event designed for parents raising emotionally intense and uniquely wired kids. If you’re parenting a child who struggles with focus, organization, motivation, or big emotions, this conversation will give you clarity, tools, and hope. Become an insider and get information on the upcoming summit when you visit CalmConnectionParenting.org. Join the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook Group to hear the details! Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    36 min
  6. 78. Sensory Processing and Meltdowns in Kids – Understanding the Out-of-Sync Child with Carol Kranowitz

    MAR 18

    78. Sensory Processing and Meltdowns in Kids – Understanding the Out-of-Sync Child with Carol Kranowitz

    Why does your child have such big meltdowns and emotional reactions? For kids with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, DMDD, or emotional dysregulation, behavior may be a signal—not defiance. In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Carol Stock Kranowitz, best-selling author of The Out-of-Sync Child, to explore how sensory processing differences impact your child’s behavior, emotions, and daily life. When we begin to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, we can shift from frustration to clarity… and respond in ways that create more calm and connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How sensory processing issues can trigger meltdowns and emotional dysregulation • Why behavior is often a form of communication, not defiance • What it means to view your child through “sensory spectacles” • Simple ways to support your child during overwhelming moments This episode is part of our Summit Spotlight series, featuring expert insights from the Calm Connection Parenting Summit as we walk the road toward something exciting coming soon for parents raising emotionally intense and uniquely wired kids. If you’re parenting a child with big emotions, sensory challenges, or frequent meltdowns, this conversation will give you a new lens… and real hope. Be sure to join the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook Group to hear about the upcoming event! You won't want to miss this!   Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    41 min
  7. 77. Why Some Kids Have Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors: A Fresh Look at Emotional Dysregulation with Penny Williams

    MAR 11

    77. Why Some Kids Have Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors: A Fresh Look at Emotional Dysregulation with Penny Williams

    Why do some children experience emotional dysregulation, explosive meltdowns, and challenging behaviors that seem bigger than the situation? In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by parenting expert Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with more than 5 million downloads, to talk about why some kids have bigger emotions and behaviors than others. Parents raising children with ADHD, DMDD, sensory processing challenges, or other neurodivergent differences often find that traditional discipline strategies don’t work the way they expect. What looks like defiance may actually be a child struggling with emotional regulation and nervous system overwhelm. In this episode we discuss:  • Why some kids experience emotional dysregulation and meltdowns  • Ways we may need to adjust our expectations of our child   • Why traditional discipline strategies can escalate emotionally intense kids  • How understanding your child’s wiring can help you respond with calm and connection Over the next few weeks, I’ll also be sharing insights from experts who help parents navigate meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, executive function challenges, and nervous system regulation. And something exciting is coming soon for parents raising emotionally intense and uniquely wired children… so make sure you’re part of the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook group so you don’t miss what’s ahead. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    35 min
  8. 76. How Do I Choose the Right Support or Parent Coaching for ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation? What You Need to Know

    MAR 5

    76. How Do I Choose the Right Support or Parent Coaching for ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation? What You Need to Know

    If you’re parenting a child with ADHD, DMDD, emotional dysregulation, or intense meltdowns and wondering whether parent coaching or parenting support could help your family, this episode will help you discern the right next step.  Parenting a neurodivergent or emotionally intense child often requires more than generic parenting advice. But not all parent education, coaching programs, or support groups are designed for executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation delays, or meltdown cycles. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The signs your family may need coaching instead of just more information  • Common mistakes parents make when choosing parenting support  • The difference between counseling and parent coaching  • What to look for in a program that understands ADHD, DMDD, and emotional dysregulation If you feel stuck in cycles of shame, second-guessing, or ineffective strategies, this conversation will help you move toward clarity, confidence, and calm connection. Because the right support doesn’t add pressure — it brings direction. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    24 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Ranked in the top 3% 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.

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