212. What if kids could outsmart their anxious thoughts?

Kids don’t just feel emotions—they also create stories about what those emotions mean. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline focuses on cognitive appraisal and emotional metacognition.

You’ll learn how children interpret events, how automatic “henchmen thoughts” fuel anxiety and meltdowns, and why teaching kids to appraise situations differently can build resilience. From detective games to thought logs to chain breakers, this episode is packed with playful, practical tools to help kids spot unhelpful thinking traps, reframe them, and act in ways that reflect their values.

This conversation will help you guide them beyond “just breathe” into truly flexible, values-based thinking.

Homework Ideas

• Emotion Detective Game: Use clues (body signs, thoughts, triggers) to uncover what an emotion is trying to say. Ask, “Is this thought a clue or a trick?”
• Thought–Feeling–Action Chart: 4 columns — What happened? / What did I think? / What did I feel/do? / What else could I think or do?
• Comic Strip Appraisals: Kids draw a situation, then fill in thought bubbles and alternative thoughts. This makes invisible thinking visible.
• Matching Cards: Mix “Event,” “Thought,” and “Emotion” cards. Kids match different combos to see how thoughts change feelings.
• Chain Breakers: Practice interrupting automatic thought → behavior loops with alternative responses (“When I feel ____, I will try ____”).
• Values Journal: Teens list what matters to them, then reflect: “Did my response move me toward or away from my values?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuz

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resources

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/