In a candid livestream weeks later, Jodi revealed the deeper story: Max’s outbursts weren’t just rebellion. At 12, he’d been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, and the pressure to “act his age” had become a trap. His anger was a language, and the world was only listening now because of the viral video. “For years, I thought he was being defiant,” Jodi admitted. “But he was desperate to be heard.”

The family sought therapy, adjusted school accommodations, and began embracing a slower, more patient rhythm. Max learned to express his emotions through art and journaling. Jodi became an advocate for neurodiverse children, sharing how societal expectations can warp a child’s behavior into something misdiagnosed as “out of control.”

Stop asking, "Why did you do that?" He doesn't know. His prefrontal cortex (logic) has been hijacked by his amygdala (fear/rage). Instead, use "what" and "how."

Many parents go straight to punishment. Jodi West’s philosophy (and similar models like Love & Logic) emphasizes that an out-of-control son is a disconnected son.

Connection de-escalates the threat response. You cannot discipline a brain that is on fire.

For one week, catch him being even slightly good.

This rewires both your attention and his self-image.