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Some kids feel everything deeply.
A small disappointment turns into a meltdown. A change in routine sparks anxiety. A misunderstood comment leads to withdrawal or rage.
As a parent, you might find yourself wondering:
“Is this just a sensitive temperament—or something more?”
“Why is it so hard for them to bounce back?”
“Is there something I’m missing?”
These are good questions. They come from a place of love, attunement, and wanting to do right by your child.
It’s Not Just “Bad Behaviour”
Children who struggle with emotional regulation aren’t being difficult on purpose. Their nervous systems may simply be more sensitive, or less practiced at managing strong emotions.
For some children, this shows up as:
- Frequent meltdowns or explosive reactions
- Difficulty calming down after getting upset
- Running off without consideration of their safety
- Intense sensitivity to sensory input
- Rigid thinking and inflexibility
It’s easy to fall into self-doubt as a parent—especially if others are quick to offer advice, or suggest you “just need firmer boundaries.”
But regulation isn’t just about behaviour. It’s about capacity. And some kids need more help building that capacity.
Why Understanding Matters
When you understand the why behind your child’s responses, you stop chasing short-term fixes.
Instead, you begin to see patterns and you set your mind to the long-term vision for your child’s emotional wellbeing.
You start to meet your child’s needs more directly, and more compassionately.
You learn how to help their brain feel safe enough to learn, adapt, and grow.
This kind of insight can change everything—from the morning routine to your relationship as a whole.
If your child is struggling with frequent big emotional outbursts it’s important to remember:
Your child is doing the best they can with the tools they have. If they could just do better, they would. The good news? Tools can be built. Together.
“Your child is doing the best they can with the tools they have. If they could just do better, they would. The good news? Tools can be built. Together.”
What Support Can Look Like
Support doesn’t have to mean long-term therapy right away. Sometimes it starts with just a conversation or two.
I offer consults to help you:
- Better understand emotional regulation challenges and consider underlying reasons for your child’s behaviour patterns
- Learn strategies to co-regulate and support calming
- Decide if further assessment or support might be helpful
Next steps
If this resonates with you and you are looking for a professional’s opinion in guiding your child to more balanced emotional reactions, please feel free to get in touch with Clara Mittiga – Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist at Davies & Robertson Psychology.