Calm Connection Parenting | Meltdowns, Neurodivergence, Emotional Regulation, DMDD, Autism, SPD, Defiance, Angry Behaviors

Jami Kirkbride LPC, Parenting Coach for Emotional Dysregulation and Executive Functioning
  • 4.9 (54)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Ranked in the top 2.5% 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. 1d ago

    Back-to-School Help for Kids with DMDD, ADHD, Autism and Emotional Dysregulation: Set Your Child Up for Success

    Back-to-school can be exciting, but for kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, executive functioning challenges, or emotional dysregulation, the transition can also bring overwhelm, meltdowns, exhaustion, and big emotions. In this episode we talk about practical ways to help neurodivergent kids adjust to school routines, reduce after-school dysregulation, prepare for common trouble spots, and build stronger communication with teachers from the start. You’ll learn how to: Recognize when back-to-school behavior may actually be overwhelm or nervous system overload.Reduce unnecessary demands while your child adjusts to a new schedule and environment.Support executive functioning with simple routines, visual tools, and predictable systems.Protect after-school decompression time to help prevent meltdowns and emotional explosions.Identify common trouble spots before they become daily battles.Communicate proactively with your child’s teacher in a positive, collaborative way.Watch patterns, gather information, and respond with curiosity instead of panic.Jami also shares a printable teacher information form you can complete and give to your child’s teacher to highlight strengths, sensory needs, triggers, helpful supports, and important information that can help the school better understand your child. A difficult first week does not mean you are headed for a difficult year. With a little preparation, realistic expectations, and the right supports, you can help your child begin the school year with more calm, connection, and confidence. Listen now and start setting your child, and yourself, up for a stronger back-to-school transition. Get your Teacher Form and don't forget to join the Calm Connection Parenting Facebook Group 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

    Back-to-School Help for Kids with DMDD, ADHD, Autism and Emotional Dysregulation: Set Your Child Up for Success

  2. Aug 12

    Maternal Mental Health, Medication and Stigma: When Mental Health Headlines Trigger Fear

    Maternal mental health, medication, postpartum depression, and the stigma surrounding treatment can already feel overwhelming. When a tragic mental-health story dominates the headlines, it can stir up even more fear for moms and parents trying to make thoughtful decisions for themselves or their children. In this episode of Calm Connection Parenting, Jami shares encouragement from her own experience with postpartum depression, depression during motherhood, and advocating for a child struggling with mental health. This is not medical advice, but a calm reminder that fear, stigma, and other people’s opinions should not make these deeply personal treatment decisions for you. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Why mental-health headlines can be especially triggering for moms and parents already wrestling with depression, anxiety, or medication decisions • How stigma and unsolicited opinions can quietly influence the way we think about mental-health treatment for ourselves and our children • What healthy advocacy can look like when you have concerns, questions, or feel like you are not being fully heard • How to filter fear from helpful information so you can move forward with greater confidence, discernment, and support If current events have left you questioning mental-health treatment, feeling judged about medication, or remembering your own difficult season, this episode offers a calmer place to sort through the noise. Seeking help takes courage. Asking questions does not make you anti-treatment. And advocating for yourself or your child can be an important part of getting good care. 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

    Maternal Mental Health, Medication and Stigma: When Mental Health Headlines Trigger Fear

  3. Aug 11

    Parenting Podcast Celebration-100 Episodes, 120 Countries, and One Really Important Reminder for Parents of Children with ADHD, DMDD, ASD, and Emotional Dysregulation

    🎉 We made it to Episode 100! Calm Connection Parenting has now reached listeners in 120 countries and territories, with  parents looking for help with ADHD, DMDD, emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, sensory needs, anxiety, and the everyday realities of raising a uniquely wired child. But this episode isn’t really about the numbers. It’s about YOU. In this special 100th episode, Jami looks back at the most-listened-to episodes, shares meaningful listener reviews, and reflects on the message that has been at the heart of Calm Connection Parenting from the very beginning: behavior makes a lot more sense when we get curious about what’s underneath it. We’re celebrating the parents listening in school pickup lines, late at night after hard days, from small towns, big cities, and places all over the world. Inside this episode, we’re celebrating: • 100 episodes of practical parenting support and encouragement • Listeners in 120 countries and approximately 2,300 cities • The topics parents keep coming back for most • Powerful words from listeners who say the podcast has helped them feel seen, supported, and less alone • The simple parenting shift that continues to shape nearly every conversation on the show • And what’s coming next for Calm Connection Parenting Most of all, this is a giant THANK YOU to every parent who has listened, shared an episode, sent a message, left a review, or simply pressed play on a hard day. Here’s to 100 episodes, thousands of parents, and a whole lot more calm and connection ahead. ❤️ If Calm Connection Parenting has helped you, celebrate with us by leaving a five-star rating or written review on Apple Podcasts and sharing what the podcast has helped you understand differently about your child. And remember—you’ve got this. And on the days you don’t, we’re in it together. 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

    Parenting Podcast Celebration-100 Episodes, 120 Countries, and One Really Important Reminder for Parents of Children with ADHD, DMDD, ASD, and Emotional Dysregulation

  4. Aug 8

    Family Support for ADHD, DMDD, Autism and Sensory Needs: How Churches Can Help Neurodivergent Children

    How Churches Can Support Neurodivergent Children: ADHD, DMDD, Autism, and Sensory Needs Many families raising children with ADHD, DMDD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, or other invisible disabilities want church to be a place of hope, belonging, and support. But sometimes these families are quietly struggling, slipping away, or unsure how to ask for help. In this final episode of our three-part series, When Church Feels Hard for Neurodivergent Children and Families, we’re talking about how churches can better support neurodivergent children and their families with more awareness, compassion, flexibility, and practical care. This episode is for parents who want a helpful resource to share with their church, and for pastors, children’s ministry leaders, youth leaders, volunteers, and church members who want to understand how to make church feel safer and more welcoming for families with unique needs. In this episode, we talk about:  Why churches cannot rely only on parents to advocate before offering support  How simple questions on children’s ministry or youth forms can open the door to better care  Why different support does not mean unfair treatment, especially for kids with sensory needs, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or emotional dysregulation  How churches can take one practical step toward helping families feel seen, supported, and able to belong You’ll also hear practical examples for children’s ministry, youth group, church events, sensory needs, volunteer responses, and ways churches can begin supporting families without needing a perfect program or huge budget. For free resources, coaching information, and support for parenting kids with big emotions, challenging behaviors, and unique needs, visit calmconnectionparenting.org. 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

    Family Support for ADHD, DMDD, Autism and Sensory Needs: How Churches Can Help Neurodivergent Children

  5. Jul 28

    When Church Has Hurt Your Neurodivergent Child or Family: Grace, Grief, Support, and What to Do Next

    When church has hurt your family, it can bring up grief, sadness, and even shame. For parents of neurodivergent children or kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, DMDD, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, or challenging behaviors, Sunday morning may feel especially difficult when your child is misunderstood, labeled, excluded, or unsupported.  In this second episode of our series, When Church Feels Hard for Neurodivergent Children and Families, we are talking directly to parents who have experienced painful church situations or church hurt. If your child has said they hate church, if you feel judged by others, or if you are wondering whether to keep trying, ask for help, take a break, or find a different church, this episode will help you sort through the hurt with compassion and clarity. You’ll learn the GRACE framework: Grieve what has been hard, Recognize the real barrier, Ask for specific support, Consider the response, and Evaluate the next right step. In this episode, we talk about:  Why church hurt can feel especially painful when you hoped church would be a place of grace, support, and belonging  How to separate your child’s struggle with church from their relationship with God or future faith  How to use the GRACE framework to name the hurt, identify your child’s needs, and ask for specific support  When to keep advocating, when to take a break, and when it may be wise to consider a church that can better support your family This episode also includes practical scripts you can use when talking with a pastor, children’s ministry leader, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, or trusted church volunteer. For free resources, coaching information, and support for parenting kids with big emotions, challenging behaviors, and unique needs, visit calmconnectionparenting.org. 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

    When Church Has Hurt Your Neurodivergent Child or Family: Grace, Grief, Support, and What to Do Next

  6. Jul 23

    When Church Feels Hard for Neurodivergent Children: ADHD, DMDD, Autism, Sensory Needs, and Faith

    In this first episode of a three-part series, we begin an honest conversation about ADHD, DMDD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, church hurt, painful church experiences, and the hope of creating more understanding inside faith communities. Church is supposed to be a place of hope, grace, encouragement, and belonging. But for many families parenting neurodivergent or emotionally dysregulated children, Sunday morning can feel like one of the hardest parts of the week.  Many families come to church looking for support, but instead feel watched, judged, misunderstood, or alone when their child struggles with loud worship music, uncomfortable clothes, sitting still, children’s ministry, transitions, or social expectations. This episode is for parents who need to feel seen and for churches that want to listen, learn, and make room. In this episode, we talk about:  Why Sunday morning can be so hard for neurodivergent children and families, even when faith and church matter deeply  How painful church experiences can feel especially tender when families expected grace, support, and belonging  Why behavior is communication, even at church, and what children may be telling us through meltdowns, refusal, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or dysregulation  How parents and churches can begin moving from judgment to curiosity, from hurt to conversation, and from isolation to hope You’ll also hear a powerful post from Maggie Diemer, one of our summit panel speakers and a mom attending the Calm in the Chaos Mom’s Retreat, about what happens when a child does not fit the “church box” and why maybe the box needs to change. For free resources, coaching information, and support for parenting kids with big emotions, challenging behaviors, and unique needs, visit calmconnectionparenting.org. I recorded this episode twice, and both times, the thunder interrupted! LOL! I guess we will just think that was the heavens moving on our behalf! LOL! 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

    When Church Feels Hard for Neurodivergent Children: ADHD, DMDD, Autism, Sensory Needs, and Faith

  7. Jul 14

    96. When Summer Feels Out of Sync: A Quick Encouragement for Parenting Big Emotions and Special Needs

    Summer can be fun, but it can also throw the whole family out of rhythm. When routines are off, schedules are inconsistent, activities are full, and emotions are running high, parenting a child with ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, autism, sensory needs, or emotional dysregulation can feel especially overwhelming. In this short summer encouragement episode, Jami reminds parents that their own nervous system matters too. You’ll hear a simple reminder to prioritize emotional regulation, choose one small act of self-care, and revisit a few listener-favorite episodes that offer support for meltdowns, burnout, and big emotions. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why summer can increase emotional dysregulation for kids and stress for parents  How to take one small step toward calming your own nervous system  Three listener-favorite episodes to revisit when you need extra support  A simple quick win for the week: choose one calming practice and one episode to listen to For free resources and more support, visit calmconnectionparenting.org. And if you're looking for a little extra support, please check out the upcoming Calm Connection Parenting Mom's Retreat! Yes, taking place in Loveland, CO August 27-31. It's going to be a load of fun! Visit CalmConnectionParent.com/retreat2026 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

    96. When Summer Feels Out of Sync: A Quick Encouragement for Parenting Big Emotions and Special Needs

  8. Jul 8

    95. Preparing for Vacation with a Neurodivergent Child: Travel Tips for Transitions, Meltdowns, and Judgment

    If you are parenting a neurodivergent child or a child with ADHD, autism, anxiety, DMDD, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, or big behaviors, vacation can bring up a lot of stress before you ever leave the driveway. The packing. The car ride. The restaurants. The hotel. The transitions. The sleeping somewhere new. The waiting. The crowds. The change in routine. And sometimes, the judgment from others when your child struggles in public. In this episode, we are talking about how to prepare for vacation in a way that supports your child and helps your family have more realistic expectations. You’ll learn how to think through transition points before they happen, build in downtime without guilt, give your child appropriate choices, pack comfort and sensory supports, and quietly notice the wins along the way. Vacations with a neurodivergent child may look different. They may require more planning, flexibility, and breaks. But different does not mean bad. Your child can still enjoy the trip. Your family can still make memories. And you can still find moments of calm in the chaos. In this episode, we talk about:  How vacation transitions can trigger meltdowns or shutdowns Why downtime, alone time, and even a little TV time may help your child reset How giving your child small choices can reduce power struggles Why sensory tools, comfort items, and familiar snacks can make travel easier How to handle judgment from strangers, family, or people who do not understand Why noticing small wins can help your child feel seen and encouragedFor more support, free parenting resources, and information about the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program, visit calmconnectionparenting.org. 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

    95. Preparing for Vacation with a Neurodivergent Child: Travel Tips for Transitions, Meltdowns, and Judgment
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Ranked in the top 2.5% 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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