Episode Details

In this deeply empathetic mailbag episode of the Low Demand Parenting Podcast, Amanda Diekman answers two listener questions about navigating the challenges of dysregulated kids:

1. Physical Aggression and Meltdowns: What do you do when your child is physically aggressive, whether toward you or siblings? Amanda shares strategies for:

   • De-escalation: Dropping demands in the moment to reduce tension and prioritize safety.
   • Co-regulation: Staying grounded so your child can borrow your calm to find their own.
   • Practical tips for balancing priorities like safety versus expectations, and the importance of repair after meltdowns.

2. Name-Calling and Emotional Pain: How do you handle deeply painful words from a dysregulated child? Amanda dives into:

   • Why name-calling is a symptom of deep dysregulation, not malice.
   • How dropping the expectation that “hurtful words won’t happen” fosters connection and healing.
   • The transformative work of exploring why certain behaviors hurt you, healing your own emotional wounds, and modeling resilience for your child.

This episode is filled with actionable strategies, personal reflections, and encouragement for parents navigating the complexities of dysregulated kids.

Time Stamps:

00:46 Understanding Dysregulation in Children

03:14 De-escalation and Co-regulation Strategies

10:16 Addressing Name Calling and Emotional Safety

18:39 Healing and Self-Reflection for Parents

20:38 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Additional Resources:

• Low Demand Parenting book: a love letter to exhausted, overwhelmed parents everywhere. Get the first chapter free! 
• Why is everything with my kid so hard?: Take the quiz to find your first step forward!
• Low Demand Parenting Blog: a treasure trove of low demand wisdom

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