Help for Emotional Dysregulation in Kids | Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

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195: Brain Fog and Stress: Strategies for Stress Management

Struggling with brain fog, stress, and anxiety? I share practical strategies to clear mental cloudiness, reduce overwhelm, and help your child focus. I’m here to guide you with Regulation First Parenting™ to calm dysregulated brains and restore clarity.

Struggling with brain fog and constant stress? You’re not alone. When your thoughts feel clouded and everyday tasks feel impossible, it’s exhausting—for you and your child.

In this episode, I share practical, science-backed strategies to clear brain fog, reduce stress, and help both you and your child regain focus, clarity, and a calm nervous system.

Why am I always so mentally foggy and exhausted?

Brain fog isn’t just forgetfulness—it’s your brain signaling that it’s overwhelmed. 

Chronic stress activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones that cloud thinking and zap energy.

  • Tip: Track when brain fog hits most—morning, after school, or evening—and note triggers.
  • Scenario: One parent shared that her son’s homework time always triggered meltdowns and confusion. By introducing calm breaks and breathing exercises, his focus improved dramatically.

Remember: It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.

How can I help my child manage stress without medication?

Stress affects the whole nervous system, but simple daily strategies can make a huge difference:

  • Exercise: Movement increases attention and even reduces ADHD symptoms by up to 40%.
  • Mindful moments: Short meditations or mindful walks help calm overactive stress responses.
  • Social connection: A chat with a friend or family activity boosts mood and reduces tension.

Finding what works and sticking to it builds resilience for the whole family.

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What natural strategies improve brain clarity for both kids and parents?

Endorphins, sleep, hydration, and mindful movement are your brain’s best friends:

  • Endorphin boosters: Laughing, hugging, or a quick workout clears mental fog.
  • Sleep: Aim for ~7¼ hours nightly; quality rest resets focus.
  • Hydration: Herbal teas or electrolyte drinks support cognition.
  • Breathing exercises: Even a few minutes can feel like hitting the reset button.
  • Digital detox: Regular breaks from screens reduce overstimulation and mental fatigue.

Real-Life Example

One parent started a 10-minute daily yoga routine with her child and noticed calmer evenings and sharper focus within two weeks.

How does diet impact brain function and mental clarity?

What your family eats directly affects cognition and stress levels.

  • Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods like blueberries, nuts, and leafy greens support memory, focus, and mood.
  • Avoid processed foods and excess sugar, which fuel inflammation and worsen brain fog.

Tip: Begin with small swaps—replace sugary snacks with fruit or add a handful of nuts to breakfast.

Even tiny dietary changes can dramatically improve energy and clarity over time.

🗣️ “When we calm the brain, we open the door to focus, clarity, and resilience. These strategies aren’t just for your child—they work for you too.” — Dr. Roseann

Takeaway & What’s Next

Brain fog and stress don’t have to control your life. By calming the nervous system, prioritizing self-care, and using practical strategies, you and your child can regain clarity, focus, and calm. It’s gonna be OK—you’re not alone.

FAQs

How can I tell if my child’s brain fog is stress-related?

If they seem forgetful, irritable, or mentally cloudy after school or transitions, stress may be the cause. Patterns matter more than occasional lapses.

What’s the fastest way to reduce brain fog?

Short movement breaks, deep breathing, and hydration often provide immediate mental clarity.

Can mindfulness really help kids focus?

Yes—even 5–10 minutes of guided mindfulness or mindful walking daily can calm the nervous system and improve attention.

Are there foods that worsen brain fog?

Highly processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation and mental fatigue.

How long does it take to see results from stress management techniques?

Some improvements can appear in days, but consistent practice over weeks builds lasting focus and calm.

Tired of not knowing what’s really going on with your child?
The Solution Matcher gives you a personalized recommendation based on your child’s behavior, not just a label. It’s free, takes just a few minutes, and shows you the best next step.
Go to www.drroseann.com/help

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Helping Families of Dysregulated Kids Thrive Through Regulation First Parenting™

 
Dr. Roseann believes every family deserves to move from chaos to connection—and that transformation begins with addressing emotional dysregulation in children at its true source: the nervous system.

As the creator of Regulation First Parenting™, she’s helping families of dysregulated kids discover a compassionate, brain-based path forward. Through The Dysregulated Kids™ Podcast (top 2% globally), she offers practical strategies that help parents understand their child’s brain and support lasting change.

Through The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, she’s created resources like the BrainBehaviorReset® program, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas, and the Regulation First Parenting™ framework—meeting families where they are and supporting them through challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, and behavioral struggles.

Recognized by Forbes as “a thought leader in children’s mental health,” Dr. Roseann is changing how we understand emotional dysregulation in children—one family at a time.

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