About My Son Is Having A Hard Time | Meltdowns, Separation Anxiety, Aggression, Regulate Emotions, Defiant, Sensory Issues
Does your son meltdown for hours at a time? Are they unable to move from one thing to another without aggressive behavior? You’ve missed appointments, he refuses to go to school, and very few people understand that a heavy hand is not the answer. You even question your own ability to help him.
It’s so good to have you here! This podcast will give you hope that you aren't failing your child, relieve tension from the aggressive meltdowns, and process through stress and anxiety so you and your child can thrive.
Hey, I'm Cynthia. A wife and boy mom. For over a decade, we lived in the trenches of extreme meltdowns and collapse. The smallest thing could trigger aggression.
Coming out of a monster-sized meltdown left me feeling like I got run over by a semi...it spiralled out of control pretty fast! Not only did I want to help my son, but I was sick and tired of ending up in a big heap myself…saying and doing things I wish I hadn’t.
It was like I was on an island where no one understood the toll the meltdowns had on our family.
I finally learned how to stay confident in the middle of the aggressive behaviors. I discovered co-regulation and realized I could actually help my son return to calm.
I’ve pulled together the best strategies and insights from more than a decade of feeling completely clueless about how to help him settle.
Instead of letting his behaviors run our home, I carved out a path from rage, violence, and chaos into peace, hope, and real learning. And now I’m ready to share that path with you.
If you’re ready to reduce the meltdowns and aggressive behavior and finally see that what you are doing is actually helping it’s time to climb out from under the covers, there’s a bright day ahead!
Publisher
Cynthia Fehr - Parent Coach | Behavior Specialist
Category
health & fitness · kids & family · religion & spirituality
27| Does Your Son Become Overwhelmed in New Places? 3 Things I Learned From One Surprising Appointment
Have you ever taken your son somewhere new and watched him completely shut down?
Maybe he refuses to get out of the car.
Maybe he won't interact with the person you're there to see.
Maybe he curls up, turns away, says “NO,” or simply won't participate.
And you're left wondering…
How am I ever going to get him through this?
I've been there.
In this episode, I share a story about taking my son to a completely new environment after we moved to a new city.
The first two visits were HARD.
He sat curled up in a fetal position facing the back of the waiting room chair. He didn't want to interact at all.
But instead of forcing him to participate, we slowed the process down.
We built trust.
And by the fifth visit, he was ready.
What happened NEXT is a moment I remember so well!
In this episode, I share:
Why the gentle approach was important for a boy with sensory processing difficulties
Why some boys need extra time to process new people, places and experiences
How slowing down can create space for your son's body and brain to catch up
Why your son's refusal may be communicating that something feels like too much
What I learned about finding practitioners who are willing to meet your son where he is
And the question I want you to start asking instead of, “How do I get my son to cooperate?”
Because sometimes the biggest breakthrough doesn't happen when we finally get our son to do what we want.
What I found is that the breakthrough happens when he finally feels safe enough to do it himself.
If you’re listening to this and thinking, “Okay, I understand my son a little better…but I still don’t know what to do next,” that’s exactly where I can help.
In my 60-minute Meltdown Strategy Session, we’ll slow things down and look at what’s really happening with your son—what may be driving the outbursts, refusal, or overwhelm—and what you can do differently when it happens.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your son and a plan for what to try next.
You don’t have to keep guessing, second-guessing yourself, or trying to piece it all together on your own.
Work 1:1 with Cynthia
Email: info@cynthiafehr.com
P.S. I'm sharing our experience with KST because it was meaningful for my son and for me. It is not medical advice, and KST isn't necessarily the right approach for every child. Please talk with your child's healthcare providers when considering treatment options for your son.
But I hope our experience encourages you to keep looking for the people who will slow down, listen and see the boy behind the behavior.
Courageous together,
Cynthia
6 Aug 2026
26| The Meltdown Is Over...Now What? How To Reconnect With Your Son
You've made it through another meltdown.
The yelling has stopped.
Your son has run to his room.
Now what?
Many of us spend so much energy trying to survive explosive meltdowns that we rarely stop to think about what comes next. Phewf! We’re just so glad it’s over, am I right?
My husband and I got a CRAZY idea one day. It wasn't planned, and it certainly wasn't what most parenting books would recommend. Yet it became a powerful reminder that connection is still possible—even after the hardest days.
In this episode, we'll cover:
Why the moments after a meltdown matter more than you might think.
A simple shift that can help rebuild connection without forcing conversation.
Why flexibility is one of your greatest parenting strengths.
How to move forward without replaying every mistake in your mind.
Gentle encouragement for the days when you're emotionally exhausted too.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next? Let's work together :)
During a 1:1 Meltdown Strategy Session, we'll look at what's happening beneath your son's explosive behavior and create a practical plan that's tailored specifically to your family.
Need more support --> https://bit.ly/meltdown-session
Email: info@cynthiafehr.com
30 Jul 2026
25| Saying "No" Triggers a Meltdown? Try This First
Does it ever feel like the smallest things turn into the biggest battles?
A simple "no" can quickly become yelling, tears, frustration, and another explosive meltdown. Before you know it, you're both exhausted and wondering how something so small became so overwhelming turning your day into a disaster!
One of the most surprising lessons I learned while parenting my son with explosive behavior is in this episode.
It's not about giving in, avoiding boundaries, or finding the perfect script. Instead, it's a simple shift that can completely change the atmosphere in your home and help you stay connected when emotions are running high.
From my very own personal experience, come and learn why this approach can be so effective, and discover one practical idea you can begin experimenting with today.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why power struggles often grow when emotions are already high.
One simple shift that can change the atmosphere without giving in.
How to stay connected with your son, even when he's disappointed.
If you're exhausted by the meltdowns, aggression, school refusal, or simply unsure what to do next, my Meltdown Strategy Session is a personalized 60-minute coaching session we'll look at what's happening beneath your son's explosive behavior and create a practical plan that's tailored specifically to your family.
Go to https://bit.ly/meltdown-session to book your call. I'd love to come alongside you and support you.
Contact me - > info@cynthiafehr.com
Work 1:1 with Cynthia - > Let's get started
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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11 ratings
Spotify
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4 ratings
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