Anxiety in kids and teens doesn’t always look like panic attacks or overt distress. Often, it hides behind stomach aches, perfectionism, or school avoidance. In this episode, I chat with anxiety coach Monica Crnogorac about recognizing the subtle signs of anxiety in teens and understanding how it can manifest.

We also discuss practical strategies for:

• Supporting teens in managing overwhelming emotions.

• Helping them build resilience without becoming dependent on constant reassurance.

• Using effective communication to create a safe space for open dialogue.

Monica also shares her personal journey with high-functioning anxiety, offering insights into how parents can model healthy behaviours and foster emotional strength in their teens.

Listen now to gain the tools and understanding you need to support the teens in your life.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/EbS2ksJ_kDI

About Monica

Monica is a Certified Life & Wellness Coach who helps teens and young adults manage anxiety and overwhelm that disrupt their daily lives. She also hosts the Parenting Anxious Teens podcast, where she connects with parents and shares strategies to better support their teens. Monica offers a free giveaway for both parents and teens when they subscribe to her email list, providing valuable resources and insights to help manage anxiety and foster resilience.

Where to find her

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/parenting-anxious-teens-parenting-teens-managing-teen/id1757142421 

Website: https://www.consciouscoach.biz/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/__consciouscoach/

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I dive back into emotional intelligence (EI) as the foundation for resilience. Discover why teaching kids to recognize and manage their emotions is far more impactful than simply correcting behaviour.

I dig even deeper than before, so this will cover a few episodes Today I break down the four branches of EI and share practical strategies to help kids build self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. This is the first step in our journey to continue nurturing emotional resilience in the year to come.

Ideas to work on this week:

• Model Emotional Awareness: Regularly name and express your emotions in front of kids to normalize emotional conversations. When frustrations arise, model taking a deep breath or stepping away momentarily. Narrate this to help kids understand the importance of pausing and responding thoughtfully.
• Emotion Check-Ins: Set up daily or weekly emotion check-ins with kids. Use simple prompts like, “How are you feeling today and why?”
• Labeling Emotions: Encourage kids to identify and name their emotions during different situations, both positive and challenging.
• Gratitude Practice: Start a daily gratitude ritual by asking kids to name three things they are grateful for.

Key Points covered:

• Emotional Intelligence (EI) is essential for raising resilient kids.
• Identifying strong EI skills in kids.
• EI focuses on recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in oneself and others.
• Emotional regulation helps prevent meltdowns, sibling conflicts, and frustration.
• The four branches of EI include:

1. Perceiving Emotions
2. Facilitating Thought with Emotions
3. Understanding Emotions
4. Managing Emotions

• Strong EI correlates with better relationships, empathy, and confidence in kids.
• Modeling EI as adults is crucial to teaching it effectively.
• Simple practices like labeling emotions, gratitude exercises, and role-playing help foster EI.

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/

As this year comes to a close, it is important for kids to reflect on their growth and set meaningful resilience goals for the year ahead. From celebrating small victories to creating intentions that feel manageable and encouraging, I cover actionable ways to support kids in becoming more confident and capable. Tune in for simple strategies to spark important conversations and foster resilience that lasts.

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I revisit the foundational elements of raising resilient kids just in time for the holiday season. Learn how to create strong connections with your children through warmth, validation, and intentional interactions. Discover why secure attachments are crucial for emotional regulation and lifelong success and gain actionable tips to strengthen bonds during the holidays. With practical strategies like active listening, validating emotions, and embracing fun, this episode will empower you to nurture confident, resilient kids while fostering joy and connection as a family.

🎧 Don’t miss the end-of-episode homework to help you build meaningful connections today!

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/

The holidays can be a mix of joy and stress. In this special episode of Overpowering Emotions, we explore practical ways to strengthen resilience during the busiest time of the year. From setting realistic expectations to practicing gratitude and mindfulness, you’ll discover how to create meaningful moments, manage family dynamics, and build lasting traditions. Learn how to turn holiday challenges into growth opportunities for your family while staying focused on what truly matters.

Bonus: actionable tips and homework to help you and your kids reflect on the resilience built over the past year.

🎧 Tune in now to make this holiday season more connected and fulfilling.

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions I recap a key skill in building emotional resilience. A key way to manage emotions during stress, foster mindfulness, and encourage kids to tackle challenges head-on. Learn how to help your children build their resilience toolkit, face unpredictable moments, and embrace growth through adversity. Plus, this week’s reflective homework will help kids recognize how far they’ve come.

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions: Part 2 of why over-focusing on children’s emotions might do more harm than good (recast from the podcast, Parents of the Year). We also discuss practical strategies for helping kids navigate life’s ups and downs without being overwhelmed by their feelings.

Tune in for another insightful conversation on fostering independence and emotional strength in your children.

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions I decided to recast a two-part series from Parents of the Year where Andrew and I talked about how an overemphasis on children’s feelings might be doing more harm than good. This is part 1.

While it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect our kids' feelings, constantly focusing on their emotional states can inadvertently lead to dependency and a lack of resilience. Join us as we unpack the potential pitfalls of emotion-centric parenting in part one of this series and discuss why stepping back and letting kids navigate their feelings independently might be the key to raising more capable, confident adults.

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Caroline welcomes special guest Bridgette Melton, an educator, children's author, and trauma resilience expert, to discuss a unique approach to emotion recognition through auditory awareness.

Drawing from her book Arnold's Silent Heart, Bridgette shares how children can learn to recognize and process their emotions by associating them with sounds, offering a new tool for emotional regulation.

Together, they explore the importance of helping kids identify their feelings without judgment and the role of auditory cues in fostering resilience. Tune in to learn practical strategies for empowering children with emotional tools that can help them navigate life's challenges.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/iNbvUgbhLeM

About Bridget

Bridgette is a former early childhood and kindergarten teacher. She holds a Master’s in Psychology and is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner. Importantly, she is a mom of two, which drives her passion for helping kids learn emotional recognition and regulation. Bridgette is trauma-informed and loves helping kids overcome trauma with resiliency. Her first children's book Arnold's Silent Heart embodies her concept, Emotional Recognition through Auditory Awareness. Bridgette believes in the power of small actions to create significant ripples of positive change.

Bonus!

Use this code: podcast24 for 10% off book purchases at: https://www.bridgettemelton.com/shop

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we dive into the brain's natural ability to adapt to stimuli, known as habituation, and how it can be used to enhance positive experiences while managing unpleasant ones. Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares practical tips for breaking up enjoyable moments to boost long-term happiness and for pushing through tough tasks without taking breaks. From handling anxiety to building resilience in kids, this episode provides actionable strategies for improving emotional regulation and making daily life feel more vibrant.

Homework: Learn how to break up enjoyable activities for maximum benefit and help kids power through tough tasks. Try simple strategies at home or in the classroom to shake up routines and make everyday moments more memorable!

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/