Resources for Parents
Last updated October 2021
Facts for Families
AACAP's Facts for Families provides concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
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Treatment Resources
Parents' Medication Guide
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) created Impairing Emotional Outbursts: Parents’ Medication Guide.
Included in this guide is new research on effective treatments for child and adolescent impairing emotional outbursts. The goal of the guide is to help parents make informed decisions about getting the best care for a child or adolescent with impairing emotional outbursts.
Rating Scales
- ARI - Affective Reactivity Index
- Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EMO-I) - The Emotional Outburst Inventory (EMO-I) is a brief screening tool for irritability and severe emotional outbursts in youth.
- RMOAS - Revised Modified Overt Aggression Scale–scale of severity of aggressive behavior on a weekly basis; has been used as an outcome measure for aggression treatment studies
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Books
More Resources
Apps
These apps can be helpful tools for people with emotion dysregulation. They should be used alongside comprehensive assessment and treatment from a trained mental health professional.
Taming Tantrums
"Taming Tantrums" App - a collection of phrases to reduce tears and tantrums and increase cooperation in young children.
Grump Meter
The Grump Meter helps kids and adults recognize and name their emotions, prevent “losing their heads on red", and achieve calmer, more peaceful, and empathic interactions.
RegnaTales
RegnaTales, a series of 6 mobile apps, was created in response to the above advantages of using mobile technology and serious games to increase access to treatment and enhance the motivation of children to learn skills.
T2 Mood Tracker
Mood Tracker allows users to monitor their moods on six pre-loaded scales (anxiety, stress, depression, brain injury, post-traumatic stress, general well-being). Custom scales can also be built.
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Videos
Demonstrating the Six Steps of De-escalation
How to Communicate With Angry or Aggressive Kids
How to De-escalate Meltdowns
Self-Regulation Strategies for Kids: Expert Tips to Manage Outbursts
ADHD and Anger
What To Do When Your Child Throws A Temper Tantrum
Tips During Tantrums
- Keep cool
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Model appropriate behavior
- Contain a tantrum (in safe room)
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Public place-remove child from store and return when calm
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Take away the pay off (do not be trained by negative reinforcement)
Teaching kids to deal with emotions
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