Ep 202: Turning Big Feelings Into Superpowers With Miles And The Colorful Capes Of Feelings

What if a color could say everything your child can’t yet put into words? We sit down with women’s health practitioner turned author Constance Lewis to explore how her family’s journey through epilepsy inspired a simple, memorable system that helps kids name big feelings and feel brave enough to face them. From NICU shifts and IVF to early-morning seizures and brain surgery, Constance maps the moments that shaped Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings—and the practical tools any parent or teacher can borrow tonight.

We get specific about what works under stress: asking for a color instead of a label, using capes or favorite dress-up items to signal state, and returning to the moment later with curiosity rather than critique. You’ll hear how calm modeling, low voices, and eye-level posture change the tone, why decatastrophizing protects the whole family’s nervous system, and how short, repeatable rituals—like meditation music during the dinner rush—turn regulation into a daily habit. We also talk about empathy as a skill kids learn by watching us: holding doors, checking on a friend, and noticing when a sibling needs space.

Schools matter here too. Constance shares ideas for discreet classroom signals so teachers can spot dysregulation before it derails learning. We discuss why social-emotional skills aren’t extra—they’re the foundation for attention, memory, and behavior—and how a quick “What color are you today?” can prevent bigger disruptions. Plus, a peek at what’s next: Mariah and the Colorful Tutus of Feelings, a toddler tools board book, and upcoming titles that normalize the emotional lives of moms and dads.

Ready to try it? Ask your child for their color, borrow the script, and watch how quickly the room softens. If this conversation gave you a useful tool, follow the links to the book and free resources, share with a friend who needs more calm, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.