Episodes

  • 218. Can play help kids release trauma and anxiety?

    218. Can play help kids release trauma and anxiety?
    Dec 9 2025
    Big feelings don’t always need more rules and structure. Sometimes they need play, movement, and a bit of silliness.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline is joined by Sifu Boggy (Paul Brighton), a Taoist teacher who blends Qigong, Tai Chi, humour, and “sacred child” energy to support healing.They talk about why kids are the real teachers, how fidgeting and wild play help release stress from the body, and why shutting down movement can actually lock in tension, anxiety, and trauma. You’ll hear how Qigong supported Sifu through bullying, depression, and suicidality as a teen, and how simple standing exercises can help kids and adults regulate today.This conversation is especially helpful for:Educators trying to make room for movement, play, and regulation in classroomsParents & caregivers of anxious, “fidgety,” intense, or neurodivergent kidsMental health professionals looking for body-based and playful tools that fit well with emotion regulation workThey get into:The “sacred child” and why we’re not meant to grow out of playHow fidgeting, noise, and big movement can be healthy discharge, not misbehaviourQigong as “moving self-massage” that helps clear stored emotional tensionHow adults’ stress responses teach kids how to handle their ownSimple, practical ways to bring more play and movement into homes, sessions, and schoolsIf you work with kids who are anxious, shut down, “too much,” or always on the move, this episode will give you a warm, playful way to see them—and yourself—differently.Homework Ideas🧩 Notice Where You Shut Down PlayFor one week, track moments when you say or think:“Stop fidgeting.”“Calm down.”“Be serious.”Ask yourself afterward:What feeling in me sparked that reaction?Was the movement actually harmful—or just loud and inconvenient?Use that awareness to adjust one response per day: replace “stop that” with, “Let’s move that energy in a safer way,” and offer a playful alternative (e.g., jumping on a mat, shaking it out, quick wrestle on the floor, running in the yard).🧩 Schedule a Daily “Wild Play Window”Choose a 10–20 minute slot each day where the goal is: move, be loud, be silly.Ideas:Backyard “animal run” (kids choose an animal and move like it)Pillow wrestling or couch parkourLoud singing, drumming on cushions, “primal yell” into a pillowFrame it as: “This is when we help our bodies get stress out.”🧩 Try the “Twist the Waist” Qigong PracticeUse Sifu’s simple exercise with kids or for yourself:Stand with feet hip-width apart.Gently twist your waist side to side, letting your arms flop and wrap around your body.Keep breathing naturally—soft in through the nose, out through the mouth.Do this for 1–3 minutes.Afterward, ask kids:“What does your body feel like now compared to before?”This can be a classroom brain break, a transition ritual at home, or part of therapy sessions.🧩 Model Your Own “Sacred Child”Choose one playful thing you used to love as a kid and do it this week:Drawing or doodlingClimbing, swinging, skippingBuilding with LegoDancing around the kitchenLet kids see you laugh, be silly, and move. You’re showing them that growing up doesn’t mean shutting down joy.🧩 Reflect on Movement and MoodWith older kids or for your own journaling, use prompts like:“When I’m stressed and I move my body, what changes?”“When I’m told to sit still, what happens inside me?”“What kinds of movement make me feel calmer, stronger, or lighter?”This helps link movement → emotion → regulation in a concrete way.Be sure to grab your free Emotional Literacy workbook! https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracyAbout SifuSifu Boggie (a.k.a Paul Brighton) is a Daoist guide, mentor, and self-healing practitioner with over 40 years of experience in Daoism and Qigong. Trained by renowned Daoist masters, he specializes in Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Shun Dao philosophy, and other healing modalities. Sifu Boggie’s teachings blend Daoist philosophy with practical energy work and bodywork techniques, offering transformative pathways for physical, emotional, and energetic healing.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sifuboggie Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/2sifuboggieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sifu.boggie/#YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SifuBoggieWebsite - https://shundao.uscreen.io/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.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzankoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuzWebsite: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resourcesBusiness inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/Want to learn more about ...
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    32 mins
  • 217. How do kids learn to regulate emotions? Turning big feelings into smart choices.

    217. How do kids learn to regulate emotions? Turning big feelings into smart choices.
    Dec 2 2025
    Big feelings are not the problem. The real issue is when kids don’t know what those feelings are for or what to do with them.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline walks through how to help children and teens move from “I feel awful” to “Here’s what I need and here’s what I’m going to do.”You’ll hear how to:Teach kids to read their body signals and name emotions with more precisionLink emotions to underlying needs, values, and goalsUse primary and secondary appraisal (Is this dangerous? Can I handle it?) to guide copingSpot when strategies are actually avoidance in disguiseBuild “if–then” plans so kids know exactly what to do when big feelings hitPractice emotion-focused vs. problem-focused coping without rescuing or over-accommodatingPerfect for educators, parents, and mental health professionals who want practical ways to match responses to kids’ emotions and needs, build resilience, and stop reinforcing avoidance.Homework IdeasDaily Emotion–Need Check-InGoal: Link feelings → needs → possible actions.How: Once a day (morning meeting, bedtime, or session check-in), ask:o “What are you feeling?”o “Where do you feel it in your body?”o “What might this feeling be telling you that you need or want?”o “What’s one small thing that might help?”Use an emotion wheel or your Emotional Literacy Workbook as a word bank.Helpful resource: Get the free Emotional Literacy Workbook PDF (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy) Primary vs. Secondary Appraisal PracticeGoal: Help kids sort “this feels huge” from “this is truly dangerous” and “can I handle it?”How: With a recent stressor (test, friend issue, gym class):Ask Primary appraisal questions:o “What makes this feel scary, hard, or unfair?”o “Is something actually unsafe, or does it mostly feel big?”Ask Secondary appraisal questions:o “Have you been in something like this before?”o “What helped even a tiny bit?”o “Who or what could support you this time?”Write answers together on a simple worksheet so they can see the pattern. Build an If–Then Coping PlanGoal: Turn vague coping into concrete, rehearsed responses.How: Pick one recurring trigger and script it: “If I start to panic before a math quiz, then I will:1. Put both feet on the floor2. Notice where the feeling is in my body3. Answer the easiest question first.”Practice this when calm, then in low-stakes situations, then in the real one. Body Mapping & Riding the WaveGoal: Increase interoceptive awareness and distress tolerance.How: Print a body outline. Ask the child to draw where they feel worry / anger / shame. Add words: “tight,” “hot,” “heavy,” “buzzy,” “pressure,” etc.During a mild spike, coach:o “Notice: stronger on the left or right?”o “Let’s watch what happens for 60–90 seconds.”Track: Did it grow, stay the same, or drop?This normalizes “waves” and shows the nervous system can rise and fall without escape. Role-Play Triggers SafelyGoal: Let kids rehearse new responses without public shame.How: Ask: “What does your sibling/classmate do that really sets you off?”Recreate a version with you (e.g., you hum “Baby Shark” while they do homework).Guide them to:o Notice body cueso Label the feelingo Use their plan: drop into the body, self-coaching, opposite action, etc.Repeat until they can access the new response faster. “Even If…” Values StatementsGoal: Tie coping to what matters most, not just symptom reduction.How: Help kids finish:· “Even if I feel anxious, I’m still going to ____ because ____ matters to me.”· “Even if I feel left out, I’m still going to ____ because ____ is important to me.”Post their top 2–3 on a card, locker, or notebook.Revisit after exposures: “Did acting on your value help, even with the feeling there?”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.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzankoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuzWebsite: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resourcesBusiness 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/
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    33 mins
  • 216. Are Kids Really “Mad”… or Is Their Brain Just Guessing?

    216. Are Kids Really “Mad”… or Is Their Brain Just Guessing?
    Nov 25 2025
    Kids say “I feel bad” all the time. But what does that actually mean for their brain and their behaviour? In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down how the brain builds emotions and why teaching kids to move from “I feel bad” to “I feel overwhelmed / uncertain / left out” is a game-changer for emotional regulation. Drawing on brain science and day-to-day stories from classrooms and families, she explains:· How the brain compresses huge amounts of sensory data into simple emotional categories· Why kids (and adults) often feel “angry” or “anxious” without knowing why· What “emotion granularity” is and how it gives kids more control over their reactions· The link between the body budget (sleep, hydration, exhaustion) and emotional meltdowns· Practical ways to help children notice body sensations and match them with accurate emotion words You’ll hear simple tools you can use right away to build emotional literacy in homes, classrooms, and therapy sessions. Perfect for anyone who want science-based, relatable ways to help kids and teens understand what they’re feeling and what to do about it.Free Resource (to help with homework below!): Emotional Literacy Workbook (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)Homework IdeasDaily Emotion Check-Ins (Kids & Teens)Build short, regular emotion check-ins into the day—morning, midday, and evening at home; or every class / every hour at school.Ask: “How are you feeling right now?” then guide kids to move beyond “good/bad/mad” to a more specific word.“Where do you feel it in your body?” Build Emotion Vocabulary & GranularityUse the feelings wheel or emotion charts during the day when kids are calm, not only when they’re upset.Play quick “name the feeling” games:“Pick one word from the wheel that matches how you felt at recess.” “Choose a word for how you feel before this test.” Body Mapping & Interoception PracticeDraw a simple outline of a body. Ask:“Where do you feel this emotion?”“What does it feel like there? Tight, heavy, buzzy, hot, cold?”Help kids link body cues to emotions and needs:“Heavy chest = overwhelmed?”“Jittery legs = excited or nervous?”Dr. Caroline’s personal example from the episode:o A “crushing feeling” in her chest often signals overwhelm and too much on her plate.o A “breaking” feeling in her chest usually means exhaustion after very little sleep.o She then uses those cues to decide: “Do I need to reprioritize my day, or do I need to rest?” Body Budget Check Before jumping to “big emotion” explanations, check:Sleep: “How much did you sleep last night?”Hydration: “Have you had water today?”Food: “When was the last time you ate?”Load: “Is your day too full?”If a child says “I feel scared,” also scan for: Are they dehydrated? Exhausted? Hungry?Respond differently if the body budget is off (water, snack, rest, schedule changes) before jumping into problem-solving the situation. Adult Self-Practice: Modelling Emotion GranularityReplace “I’m just so stressed” with more precise language:“I feel overwhelmed because I have too much on my plate.”“I feel exhausted from not sleeping enough.”Say it out loud in front of kids so they see the full process: sensation → emotion word → action plan.· Turn Feelings into Action PlansOnce kids have named the emotion more clearly, ask about what they need. If they're unsure, help them brainstorm ideas:“If you feel left out, what might help? Inviting someone to play, talking to a teacher, or taking a break?”“If you feel overwhelmed, what do you need? Should we break this task into smaller steps?”Goal:o Move from broad “bad” to specific emotion + specific next step.o Repeat often enough that the brain learns this sequence as a habit.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.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzankoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuzWebsite: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resourcesBusiness 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/
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    15 mins
  • 215. Are we accidentally teaching kids to stay afraid?

    215. Are we accidentally teaching kids to stay afraid?
    Nov 18 2025

    This week, Dr. Caroline unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of emotion regulation: Why avoidance keeps anxiety alive and how real-world experience rewires the emotional brain.

    She explains how children’s brains constantly make predictions about safety, danger, and comfort and how avoidance traps them in cycles of fear. Using clear metaphors like the feeling tunnel and the prediction error, Dr. Caroline shows how growth only happens when kids face uncomfortable emotions long enough for their brains to learn something new.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone who want to help kids build resilience, emotional flexibility, and distress tolerance through practice, not protection.

    🎧 Experience teaches the brain it can handle more than it fears.


    Homework Ideas


    Map the Avoidance Loop

    Have kids write down situations they avoid (tests, sleepovers, speaking in class). Note what relief they feel after avoiding and how that pattern repeats. Awareness is step one.


    Prediction Journal

    Before a challenging event, ask: “What do you think will happen?”

    Afterward: “What actually happened?”

    Compare their predictions with outcomes to build realistic expectations.


    Build Micro-Exposure Moments

    Start small — ordering food, saying hi to a neighbour, or raising a hand in class. Celebrate effort, not comfort.


    Self-Check for Adults

    Notice when you rescue too quickly. Ask yourself: “Am I helping them build resilience or just helping myself feel less anxious?”

    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/
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    38 mins
  • 214. How can we help kids reflect instead of explode?

    214. How can we help kids reflect instead of explode?
    Nov 11 2025
    How do kids learn to think about their emotions instead of being swept away by them? In this episode, Dr. Caroline breaks down strategic emotion management, helping children and teens build emotional metacognition, the ability to reflect on and make sense of what they feel.You’ll learn how to guide kids to pause, question, and evaluate their emotions: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Is it helping or hurting me right now? Dr. Caroline shares practical strategies for teaching emotional literacy, building resilience, and creating space for reflection instead of reaction. She also offers real-life examples, from angry teens to overwhelmed kids, showing how adults can coach emotional awareness at any age. This episode includes simple tools, reflective questions, and step-by-step ways to strengthen emotional awareness and decision-making skills.Key topics: emotional literacy, metacognition, cognitive reappraisal, resilience, co-regulation, reflective parenting, and emotional intelligence in youth.Homework IdeasPractice Helpful ResponsesThe next time you or a child feel a strong emotion, pause and ask:What is this emotion trying to tell me?Is this emotion helpful right now?What can I do that aligns with my goals and values?Model this reflective thinking out loud with the child.Focus on curiosity over correction — “Huh, I wonder what my anger’s protecting right now.”Co-Regulation Practice!When kids are upset, start with validation only.Say “It sounds like you had a tough day.” Then pause.Once they’re calm, guide reflection with open-ended questions. Emotion Journal or ChartWrite or draw feelings, what happened, what they thought, and what the emotion might be saying.For younger kids: use colours or pictures.For teens: include reflection prompts like “Was my reaction helpful?” Emotion Decoder Match emotions to their possible messages (e.g., anger → unfairness; sadness → loss or care).Available in Dr. Caroline’s Emotional Literacy Book Scaling ExerciseRate emotions from 1–10 and discuss how the intensity changes when the situation is reappraised to build perspective and reduce emotional overwhelm. Resources Mentioned:The Emotional Literacy Book (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt (for adults exploring emotional reasoning) 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.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzankoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuzWebsite: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resourcesBusiness 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/
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    27 mins
  • 213. What does mental wellness really look like for kids and their parents?

    213. What does mental wellness really look like for kids and their parents?
    Oct 28 2025
    What does mental wellness really mean, and how do we teach it to kids and teens when the adults around them are stretched thin? In this episode, Dr. Caroline sits down with licensed clinical social worker MJ Murray Vachon, who brings nearly 40 years of experience working with adolescents, families, and midlife adults.MJ shares the two mental wellness definitions that guide her work, how Dr. Dan Siegel’s “river of calm” helps us understand chaos and rigidity, and why adults’ emotions are contagious for kids. You’ll hear stories from classrooms, families, and even Notre Dame athletes that highlight the everyday ways mental health is shaped by modeling, connection, and self-regulation.Listeners will walk away with practical tools like the FACES model, NESTS for self-care, and playful strategies that keep mental wellness accessible for kids and adults alike. This conversation is a reminder that children can’t be healthier than the adults raising or teaching them—and small steps in our own wellness ripple out to every child we support.Homework IdeasCheck your own state firstEach day, pause and ask: Am I calm, chaotic, or rigid?Use a grounding practice (deep breaths, stretch, short walk) before engaging with kids.Create a “Glimmer List”Write 5 small, free things that bring you joy (music, a walk, a funny show).Do one daily and encourage your child to make their own list.Practice NESTS Self-CareNutrition: regular balanced meals.Exercise: daily movement.Sleep: aim for consistent bedtimes.Technology: set limits that support rest and focus.Stress skills: model a simple coping strategy (breathwork, journaling, quiet time).Model Validation + BoundariesAcknowledge feelings: “I hear you. This is hard.”Don’t over-explain—hold space, then guide with calm presence.About MJWith more than 50,000 hours of clinical sessions, I’ve spent nearly four decades helping people navigate anxiety, stress, and life transitions with practical, science-backed skills. I’m the creator of Inner Challenge, a mental wellness program launched in 1993 and taught for 21 years in junior highs and even with Notre Dame Football, equipping teens and athletes with coping strategies to boost resilience. As host of Creating Midlife Calm, chosen by Maria Shriver as her “Listen of the Week,” I weave stories and evidence-based tools into actionable practices listeners can use right away. My work always comes back to this: real-life coping skills that are simple, doable, and effective. I started the podcast Creating Midlife Calm because I know the parents of teens are the key to helping them develop the mental wellness that will carry them through adolescence and into adulthood.Get in touchInstagram: @vachonmjmurrayFacebook: MJ Murray Vachon LCSWWebsite: mjmurrayvachon.comEnjoying 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.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzankoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuzWebsite: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resourcesBusiness 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/
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    41 mins
  • 212. What if kids could outsmart their anxious thoughts?

    212. What if kids could outsmart their anxious thoughts?
    Oct 21 2025

    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/
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    49 mins
  • 211. Are we rushing kids out of emotions they actually need?

    211. Are we rushing kids out of emotions they actually need?
    Oct 14 2025

    Kids don’t always slam doors or shout when emotions overwhelm them. Sometimes the signs are quieter—flat energy, withdrawal, or a heavy sadness that feels impossible to shift.


    In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores the “low-energy” emotions that often get misunderstood: loneliness, sadness, disappointment, boredom, confusion, embarrassment, regret, guilt, and shame.


    You’ll learn how each of these emotions sends a signal about a child’s deeper needs, why rushing to “cheer them up” backfires, and practical ways to respond with presence and connection. These quieter feelings carry just as much meaning as anger or anxiety. The goal isn’t to fix them—it’s to help kids feel safe enough to sit with them, learn from them, and eventually find their way through.


    Homework Ideas:

    • Create connection rituals: a bedtime check-in, a morning high-five, or weekly “just us” time.
    • Encourage journaling or drawing when kids feel any emotion. This gives emotions a safe outlet.
    • Use emotion coaching scripts:
    • “It makes sense you feel disappointed—this mattered to you.”
    • “Everyone makes mistakes. What can we learn from this one?”
    • “Boredom is your brain asking for something meaningful—what could you explore?”
    • Provide open-ended opportunities (art supplies, building materials, role play) to turn boredom into curiosity.
    • Model healthy shame repair: Share your own small mistakes, show how you recover, and affirm that worth is never on the line.


    🛠️ Be sure to grab the emotional literacy workbook https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

    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/
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    29 mins