DMDD, ADHD, and Anxiety, Oh My! The Real Reasons They’re Melting Down—and What Helps
DMDD, ADHD, and anxiety… oh my! If those letters feel like your everyday life and you’re constantly trying to decode what’s really going on behind your child’s big emotions—this episode is your roadmap.We’re breaking down what’s actually fueling those emotional explosions, how these diagnoses often overlap, and why your go-to parenting responses might not be working (through no fault of your own!). Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple, heart-centered framework that helps you respond with more calm, connection, and clarity—even in the toughest moments.Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join me—we’re going there!In this episode, you’ll learn:The surprising ways anxiety, ADHD, and DMDD can look the same on the outsideWhy traditional discipline strategies often backfire with emotionally intense kidsWhat your child’s meltdown is really trying to communicateA real-life story of how one powerful pause changed everythingA practical framework (H.E.A.R.) to help you respond with empathy and effectiveness Want more support? Learn more about the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com or book a free call using the link below! Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program. Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store *** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs. #parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
--------
29:53
Frustrated with Meltdowns on Vacation? Top Five Hacks to Enjoy A Fun Family Vacation and Manage Emotional Dysregulation
Does the thought of a family vacation leave you feeling more tense than excited? If you’re parenting a highly sensitive or emotionally intense child, even the idea of travel can bring up anxiety, dread, and a fear of public meltdowns. But what if you could take a vacation that builds connection while managing the emotional dysregulation—without sacrificing your sanity?In this episode, I’m sharing real-life strategies and calming tools we’ve used in our family of nine to make vacations work—even with kids who struggle with transitions, big feelings, and emotional dysregulation. From packing hacks to powerful mindset shifts, this is your go-to guide for traveling with more peace and less chaos.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why vacations are extra hard for emotionally intense kidsHow to prevent meltdowns with simple planning strategiesTools to create calm and connection while travelingWhat to do during a meltdown to support your childOne powerful question that can change the tone of your entire trip If you’ve ever ended a trip feeling more exhausted than when you started, this episode is for you. Let’s turn the chaos into connection—one small step at a time.Get your seat in the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program starting soon. Visit CalmConnectionParent.com Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program. Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store *** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs. #parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
--------
24:26
Emotional Support Animals: An Effective Tool for Highly Sensitive, Emotionally Intense Children
What if a pet could be more than just a companion for your child? For children with heightened emotions or emotional dysregulation, pets can be a lifeline—offering more than just cuddles but playing a crucial role in helping them navigate the emotional ups and downs of everyday life. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about Sparkles, the cat who was not just a pet, but an emotional support animal for one of our children. Together, we’ll explore the profound impact that emotional support animals can have on children’s well-being and how they can help soothe the storms of their intense emotions.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Role of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): How pets, especially for emotionally intense children, can provide emotional grounding and regulation when no one else can.The Unbreakable Bond Between Pets and Children: The deep connection that can form between a child and their pet, and how this bond supports emotional growth.The Science Behind Emotional Healing: How interacting with animals can help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting overall emotional well-being.Supporting Grief and Loss: What to do when a child experiences the loss of a pet who has been an emotional anchor, and how to help them process their grief.The Benefits Beyond Cuddles: Why having an emotional support animal might be more critical for highly sensitive children than you think, and the life-changing support they offer. CalmConnectionParent.com CalmConnectionParent.com/VIP Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program. Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store *** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs. #parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
--------
28:13
30. Why Play Is Essential for Parenting Emotionally Intense Children (Emotional Regulation… Bonus!)
Get Your FREE Ticket to the Calm Connection Parenting SummitIf your child melts down, shuts down, or struggles to find the words to explain what’s wrong—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re joined by play expert and counselor Deborah Woods to explore how play can become one of the most powerful tools for connection—especially when your child’s emotions feel too big for words.You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present—and a little playful. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why play is a powerful connector for emotionally intense childrenHow play helps kids feel safe, seen, and soothedSimple ways to build connection without adding stressWhat to do if play feels awkward or unnatural as a parentHow just 30 minutes a week can begin to transform your relationship🎧 Listen now and discover how playful presence can bring peace back into your home.Attend the Calm Connection Parenting Summit Free! Enroll Here!Deborah's FREE Resource: Resources for Parents | Moms & Dads & Kids | Play Therapy Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program. Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store *** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs. #parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
--------
38:18
29. Let’s Choose Less: Why Simplifying Life Helps Highly Sensitive and Emotionally Intense Kids Thrive
What if your child’s meltdowns aren’t just about behavior—but a cry for less? Less stimulation. Less pressure. Less chaos. If your sensitive or emotionally intense child seems to unravel in the hustle and overstimulation of everyday life, this episode will hit home.This week, Jami sits down with parenting coach, writer, and mom of four, Jenna Michael, for a conversation every overwhelmed parent needs to hear. Jenna’s upcoming book Let’s Choose Less is all about simplifying home, schedule, and expectations—and today, she’s sharing how doing less can actually create more calm, more connection, and more emotional safety for your child.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why less clutter and fewer commitments help sensitive kids regulateWhat overstimulation really looks like in emotionally intense childrenHow simplifying your home and routines reduces emotional meltdownsWhat it means to align with your values instead of cultural pressureSmall, powerful shifts you can make today to create more calm at home✨ If you’ve been waiting for someone to say it’s okay—even better—to do less, this is your episode. Let’s choose less… and experience more of what really matters.Learn more about Jenna’s coaching at yourpurposefulparenting.com Check out her new book Let’s Choose Less 🎉 And don’t forget to grab your spot at the Calm Connection Parenting Summit! Summit takes place May 13-16. Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program. Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store *** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs. #parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
Hello and welcome to Calm Connection Parenting! I’m your host, Jami Kirkbride—mom of seven, parenting coach, professional counselor, and wrangler of big emotions. If you’re raising a highly sensitive child with intense emotions, challenging behaviors, or a "spicy" personality, and wondering if you’ll make it through without losing your mind, you’re not alone! Around here, we’re all about real-life parenting, sprinkled with a little humor and a whole lot of patience. So, grab your coffee (trust me, you’ll need it), and join me as we explore tips, stories, and faith-based strategies to help you bring more calm and confidence into your chaotic days. Ready to learn some practical tips and effective strategies to move from overwhelmed and stressed to calm, confident and blessed! Let’s do this!Connect on our main website: ParentingWithPersonality.comJoin our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality GroupDownload the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple StoreFollow on InstagramLearn about the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtip #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors
Listen to Calm Connection Parenting- Meltdowns, Challenging Behaviors, Emotional Dysregulation, Connected Parenting, Parenting Struggles, Parenting Guidance, Wow in the World and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand