Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 2.5% of Podcasts Worldwide!
Have you ever gotten a call or message from school about your child’s behavior and immediately wondered what everyone must think?
Does your strong-willed or neurodivergent child hold it together all day only to completely fall apart when they get home?
Have you ever wondered if what looks defiant might actually be dysregulation?
Do you find yourself making your child’s hard behavior mean something about who they are—or about the kind of mama you are?
In this episode, we’re talking about what may really be happening underneath back-to-school meltdowns, defiant behavior, and emotional dysregulation.
When a strong-willed or neurodivergent child with ADHD, ASD, ODD, or PDA is adjusting to new routines, expectations, sensory input, transitions, and social demands, what looks like disobedience may actually be a dysregulated nervous system trying to communicate.
I’m sharing stories from my own parenting journey and the perspective I wish I’d had when my son was younger: behavior is communication, but behavior is not identity.
We’ll talk about emotional regulation, building connection, and what changes when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with my child?” and begin wondering, “What might my child be experiencing?” And mama, this shift isn’t only about seeing your child differently...it can help you stop carrying every difficult school day as evidence that something is wrong with you, too. With the Father’s help, you can learn to meet the same hard parenting moments with greater compassion, curiosity, connection, and peace.
Peace is possible, mama...not because every school day will go perfectly, but because the Holy Spirit can anchor you as you learn to see your child, yourself, and those hard moments differently.
Faith Anchor:
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” — Psalm 103:13 NIV
The Father leads us with compassion, and we can learn to offer that same compassion to our children. A hard behavior doesn’t have to define your child—or determine how you respond.
Micro Shift of the Week:
The next time your child has a meltdown, shuts down, or behaves in a way that feels defiant, pause before deciding what the behavior means. Ask yourself, “What might my child be experiencing right now?” Then ask the Father to help you see what’s underneath the behavior and respond from compassion instead of fear.
Links & Resources:
• Book Anchored Mama Coaching: amandacalfee.com/coaching
• Join the Insiders List: amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
• Ask Amanda: Send Amanda a question
• Instagram: @amandacalfee
• Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
• Facebook Group: Anchored Mamas Facebook Group
• Essential Oils: Amanda’s Young Living Essential Oils
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.
