Supporting Families in Emotional Regulation

Tools for Therapists During Seasonal Change

As fall routines set in and the days shorten, many families notice a shift in their children’s emotional regulation. Seasonal transitions – such as going back to school, navigating holiday stress, or adjusting to less daylight – can amplify big feelings in children. For therapists and professionals working with families, this is an important time to equip parents with tools that help children manage emotions and build resilience.

The Kazdin Method® of Parent Management Training, developed by Dr. Alan Kazdin at Yale, provides a strong framework for teaching parents how to reduce disruptive behaviors and reinforce positive coping skills. By guiding parents in evidence-based strategies, therapists can empower families to create calmer, more supportive home environments during challenging seasonal transitions.

Why Seasonal Change Impacts Families

Disrupted routines: New school schedules, after-school activities, and holiday planning can destabilize children’s sense of predictability.
Environmental factors: Reduced daylight can affect mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels.
Increased stress: Both parents and children often experience higher stress in the fall and winter due to academic demands and family obligations.

Professionals can play a critical role in helping families anticipate these challenges and respond proactively.

Therapist Tools for Coaching Parents on Emotional Regulation

1. Psychoeducation for Parents

Teach parents about the development of emotional regulation and why children often struggle during transitions. Normalize big feelings and help parents reframe meltdowns as opportunities for skill-building rather than defiance.

2. Modeling and Reinforcement (Kazdin Method®)

Encourage parents to model calm responses and positively reinforce moments when their child uses appropriate coping strategies (e.g., taking deep breaths instead of yelling). Small, specific praise – “I like how you took a break before talking” – strengthens resilience.

3. Routine Mapping

Work with families to design predictable routines, especially around mornings, homework, and bedtime. Consistency lowers stress and provides a sense of security during seasonal changes.

4. Coping Toolkits for Kids

Guide parents in creating a “coping kit” for their child. This might include:

Breathing exercises
A calm corner or safe space
Sensory tools (stress ball, weighted blanket)
A feelings chart

5. Collaborative Problem-Solving

Encourage parents to involve children in planning strategies. For example, ask: “What helps you feel calm when you’re upset?” Involving children increases buy-in and autonomy.

6. Data Tracking and Reflection

Suggest families track emotional outbursts and positive coping moments. Reviewing patterns helps parents and therapists evaluate which strategies are working.

Case Example

A therapist working with an 8-year-old diagnosed with ADHD noticed increased evening meltdowns around homework when school resumed in September. By coaching the parents to implement a routine after school – 10 minutes of quiet play, followed by homework, and then 30 minutes of screen time – the child’s frustration levels decreased significantly. Positive reinforcement (30 minutes of video game time as long as homework is completed by 5pm and praise for starting homework, working on it calmly and diligently, and finishing it) helped sustain this change.

How Professionals Can Support Long-Term Resilience in Children

Offer workshops or parent groups on emotional regulation strategies.
Integrate PMT (Parent Management Training) principles into therapy sessions.
Provide resources like PMTI’s Parent Coaching Programs or Kazdin Method® Training.
Collaborate with schools to ensure consistent support across home and classroom settings.

FAQs About Kids’ Seasonal Behavior Changes

Q1: What’s the most common mistake parents make during emotional outbursts?
Often, parents focus on punishment during these moments or try to teach in the midst of an outburst. Unfortunately, these are not teachable moments, and punishment is ineffective. The first step is remaining calm and minimizing attention to the behavior. Just as important, however, is helping parents find opportunities to praise their child at other times—especially when the child manages frustration or stays calm in challenging situations. Using The Kazdin Method®, we can teach parents specific strategies to motivate their child and strengthen emotional regulation over time.

Q2: How do I coach parents who struggle with their own regulation?
Encourage self-care and role-play regulation strategies during sessions. Parents who practice calm responses can better teach them to their children.

Q3: Can emotional regulation strategies help children with ADHD or anxiety?
Yes. Consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and coping tools benefit all children, but are especially effective for those with ADHD or anxiety.

Q4: How can therapists encourage follow-through at home?
Assign small, achievable goals (e.g., praising and rewarding one hour their child of remaining calm no matter what happens) and review progress in each session. Success builds momentum.

Q5: What role does seasonal change specifically play in regulation issues?
Seasonal transitions often disrupt sleep, routines, and energy levels, all of which impact emotional control. Preparing families in advance reduces challenges.

Additional Resources On Kids and Emotional Regulation

Helping Families Transform Frustration Into Growth

Therapists and professionals are uniquely positioned to guide families through the ups and downs of seasonal change. By coaching parents in emotional regulation strategies grounded in the Kazdin Method®, you can help families transform moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and resilience.

👉 Learn how PMTI can support your professional practice: Contact us here.

At PMTI, we partner with therapists, educators, and mental health professionals to strengthen the way families manage challenging behaviors. By integrating the evidence-based Kazdin Method® of Parent Management Training, professionals gain tools that not only reduce disruptive behaviors but also build resilience, emotional regulation, and healthier parent-child relationships. The results are measurable – calmer homes, more confident parents, and children who thrive across settings. Whether you’re seeking advanced training, resources for your practice, or collaborative support, PMTI equips you with proven strategies that create lasting change.

👉 Take the next step in supporting the families you serve. Contact PMTI today to learn how our training and resources can enhance your professional practice.

As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it’s a perfect time for professionals in child behavior management to refresh their knowledge and stay current with the latest developments in the field. With research evolving rapidly, it’s vital for those working with children to be aware of the most effective, evidence-based strategies. This blog explores recent advancements in behavioral treatment and highlights how methods like Parent Management Training (PMT) can create lasting, positive changes in children’s behavior.

The Power of Evidence-Based Practices in Treating Behavioral Problems

Behavioral programs have long been a cornerstone in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and other behavioral challenges. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of structured, evidence-based approaches that empower parents and caregivers to manage negative behavior in real-time while reinforcing positive changes. These programs not only help reduce problematic behaviors but also teach and strengthen more appropriate skills, such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, and cooperation. By using clear expectations, consistent reinforcement, and effective strategies, parents can create an environment that encourages long-term behavioral improvements and skill development.

One of the most effective methods is Parent Management Training (PMT), a scientifically proven approach that provides parents with practical strategies to reshape their child’s behavior through consistency, clear expectations, and reinforcement.

At the forefront of this field is the Parent Management Training Institute (PMTI), founded by Tracie Bush, M.A., CKPMT. PMTI offers an intensive, structured program that equips parents and professionals with the skills needed to promote positive behavior, reduce disruptive behaviors, and create lasting change.

The Kazdin Method® Parent Management Training: A Groundbreaking Approach to Treating Children

Dr. Alan Kazdin, a distinguished child psychologist at Yale University, made one of the most groundbreaking contributions to this field over 50 years ago. He developed Parent Management Training (PMT) to address challenging behaviors associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, and ADHD. The Kazdin Method® focuses on equipping parents and caregivers with strategies to manage behavior effectively, set clear expectations, and use reinforcement consistently. With a 92% success rate his evidence-based approach has demonstrated remarkable success in both clinical practice and real-world applications, transforming the way professionals and families approach behavioral challenges.

Tracie Bush is one of only four Kazdin Method® Specialists worldwide who had the privilege of working directly with Dr. Alan Kazdin at Yale University. With her expertise, she empowers families to successfully implement this transformative program. Additionally, as a certified specialist, she is authorized by Dr. Kazdin to train and certify other professionals in Kazdin Method® Parent Management Training (PMT), further expanding its impact in both clinical and real-world settings.

Under her leadership at the Parent Management Training Institute (PMTI), countless families and professionals have gained a deeper understanding of this evidence-based approach, leading to meaningful and lasting behavior change. As research continues to highlight the crucial role of parental involvement in changing a child’s behavior, the Kazdin Method® remains a cornerstone in shaping behavior, reducing disruptive actions, and fostering positive, long-term change.

The Role of Positive Reinforcement in Managing Behavior

Research continues to stress the importance of positive reinforcement. Studies suggest that children are more likely to respond well to behaviors that are consistently acknowledged and rewarded. Positive reinforcement encourages kids to repeat desirable actions and reduces the likelihood of unwanted behaviors. Programs like PMT place a strong emphasis on this principle, helping parents create an environment where their child’s positive behaviors are recognized and celebrated in a consistent, structured way.

It’s important for professionals to stay aware of the growing body of research that supports the critical role of reinforcement. Kazdin’s studies imparticular, showed that the timing of reinforcement, the type of reward, and the consistency with which rewards are provided can significantly affect the outcome of treatment. Professionals can use these insights to refine their approaches and better support families seeking effective behavior management strategies.

Recent Articles On Behavioral Treatment For Children

5 Signs of Disorganized Attachment in Kids, and How to Support Them: Parents

This article explores the concept of disorganized attachment in children, which can arise due to inconsistent or frightening behavior from caregivers. It highlights five key signs that may indicate a child has disorganized attachment, including unpredictable behavior, difficulty trusting others, and emotional dysregulation. The article also offers strategies for supporting children with this attachment style, such as creating a stable, predictable environment, providing consistent emotional support, and fostering secure relationships.

How to Support a Child With Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): VeryWellMind

This article provides an overview of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a mood disorder in children characterized by severe temper outbursts and irritability. It explains the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for DMDD, which often include frequent mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions. The article outlines strategies for managing DMDD, such as setting clear expectations, using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and, in some cases, considering medication to help stabilize mood and behavior.

Staying Current with the Latest Studies and Resources

The landscape of behavioral treatment is always evolving, and professionals must stay updated on the latest research and evidence-based practices. To stay informed, here are some key resources and research articles:

Enhancement of Inhibitory Control in Children: A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry reported that Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) not only decreases ADHD symptoms and negative parenting practices but also significantly improves children’s inhibitory control, which is crucial for self-regulation. Study
PMTI Blog and Website: For those interested in learning more about the Kazdin Method® approach to PMT and the latest insights on behavioral interventions for children with diagnoses such as ADHD and ODD, visit PMTI’s website.
Recommendations from Health Authorities: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that for children younger than 6 years old, parent training in behavior management should be the first line of treatment before considering medication. This approach equips parents with skills and strategies to help their child succeed across various settings. cdc.gov

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for a Fresh Start

Just as we refresh our homes and gardens during the spring season, it’s also an ideal time to refresh your approach to behavior management. Whether you’re a professional working with families or a parent looking to implement strategies at home, the spring season provides an opportunity for new beginnings and positive change. With the latest research on the importance of behavioral interventions, including Parent Management Training, now is the perfect time to take action and improve the behavior outcomes of the children you work with.

Take the Next Step with PMTI

If you’re a professional interested in enhancing your skills or a parent eager to implement the latest behavior management strategies, consider reaching out to Tracie Bush and the PMTI team. With decades of expertise and a proven track record, PMTI offers training, support, and resources that can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

For more information on how PMTI can support your work, visit PMTI’s About Us page.

By staying current with the latest research and integrating methods like PMT into your practice, you can spring into better behavior management and help children thrive in their homes and communities.