182. Are you making kids’ meltdowns worse without knowing it?
Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience · Caroline Buzanko
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Show Notes
Helping Kids Regulate Their Emotions – Without Escalating the Chaos
Emotional regulation isn’t just about calming kids down—it’s about teaching them how to handle their emotions effectively.
In this episode, Dr. Caroline chats with Leslie Josel, ADHD parenting coach and executive function expert, to break down why emotional regulation is a crucial executive function skill—and how we can support kids without making things worse.
You'll learn:
✔️ Why kids' executive function struggles make emotions even harder to manage
✔️ The #1 mistake adults make when responding to kids' emotional outbursts
✔️ How to de-escalate meltdowns by working with the child’s brain, not against it
✔️ Simple strategies to set limits without power struggles
Plus, Leslie shares practical, real-life scripts to help kids feel heard while keeping the peace at home. Tune in and transform the way you handle emotional moments!
Prefer to watch? Check it out: https://youtu.be/EjuaF-8mCsY
Homework Ideas to Rewire Your Responses to Emotional Outbursts
Start with one strategy today and see the difference! 🚀
The "WAIT" Strategy
- When your child is overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself: "Why Am I Talking?"
- Instead of offering solutions, just listen. Try phrases like “I’m here,” “Go on,” or “What do you need from me?”
- Reflect: Did staying quiet help de-escalate the situation?
Preempt Emotional Storms with "Time & Topic"
Instead of abruptly asking your child to do something, prep them with both a time frame and the subject. Example: “Hey, I need 10 minutes of your time after dinner to talk about tomorrow’s schedule.” Watch how their response changes!
Set phone reminders to cue yourself to use this approach during daily interactions.
Identifying Your “Non-Negotiables
- What behaviours are truly non-negotiable? Write them down.
- Are there areas where you can offer more control without compromising your values?
- Test giving your child more autonomy in one area and observe their reaction.
- Have a meeting to set clear expectations while giving kids a voice in rules.
About Leslie Josel:
Leslie Josel, an award-winning ADHD-student and parenting coach, is the founder of Order Out of Chaos® – a 20+ years company whose mission is to champion parents & professionals raising neurodivergent students. She's an award-winning author of three books, creator of the award-winning “Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®,” and an internationally acclaimed speaker. Leslie’s been named as one of the top time management experts in the world by Global Gurus eight years in a row. And until recently, she wrote the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach®” column for ADDitude Magazine.
Get in touch
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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/