Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline is joined by award-winning choreographer and dance educator Leslie Kuny. Together, they explore the connection between structured activities, risk-taking, and resilience in children and teens. Leslie shares her insights on how these activities, like dance, can be transformative, teaching kids to embrace challenges, take healthy risks, and build a growth mindset.

Tune in to learn how letting experts guide the way can empower young people to set realistic expectations, overcome setbacks, and develop resilience that goes beyond the dance floor or playing field, equipping them with skills for life.

Prefer to watch on YouTube?

About Leslie Kuny

Leslie Cooney is an award-winning choreographer, dance educator, and co-founder of Ignite Dance Center in Surrey, British Columbia. With over 20 years of experience, Leslie brings a unique blend of honest feedback and joy to her teaching, fostering supportive and empowering environments for dancers. A graduate of Grant MacEwan and Simon Fraser University's Dance programs, she is also a Level 2 certified Adjudicator with Canadian Dance Leadership and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Leslie passionately rejects outdated norms of dance education rooted in shame and guilt, believing that dance is not just an art form but a training ground for life. Her human-first approach, rooted in humor and joy, empowers dancers to achieve greatness on and off the stage. A published author in the collaborative book Pursuit 365: Business Edition, Leslie loves to travel with her husband and has a deep-seated love for musical theatre and comedy.

Connect with Leslie

Instagram @lesliekuny

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

[email protected]

lesliekuny.com

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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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/

Perfectionism can silently shape how kids see themselves, and it often starts with the expectations we unintentionally set. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko breaks down how even well-meaning actions can send kids the wrong message, tying their self-worth to performance instead of effort. From focusing too much on results to setting unrealistic behavioural expectations, we’re diving into the subtle ways perfectionism takes root and what we can do to stop it.

Learn practical strategies to celebrate progress, validate emotions, and create a healthier family dynamic.

Challenge this week: Let go of nagging and fixing and start praising effort over results. Small changes can make a big difference!

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

Today on #OverpoweringEmotions, Dr. Caroline discusses how parental perfectionism spills over to kids, creating a cycle of anxiety, fear of failure, and unrealistic expectations.

Dr. Caroline shares personal insights on recognizing perfectionist tendencies in ourselves, the negative effects on kids, and, most importantly, practical ways to break this cycle. Learn how to model self-compassion, celebrate mistakes, and focus on progress, not perfection, for a healthier family dynamic.

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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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we continue our journey beyond perfectionism and discuss how to help kids use those perfectionistic, binary, all-or-nothing thoughts to their advantage.

I share insights from sports psychology to help kids stop freezing up under pressure and instead focus on what they can control—effort, action, and showing up.

Learn how to turn rigid thinking into growth opportunities by asking the right questions, celebrating small wins, and setting realistic, manageable steps. Discover simple strategies to help kids build resilience and confidence, not by avoiding failure but by embracing every experience as a chance to learn.

Prefer to watch on YouTube?

And, check out this week’s homework to help kids use perfectionism’s rigid, binary thinking to become more flexible. Choose at least one task to model and reinforce these concepts throughout the week.

Reframe the Questions You Ask

Instead of asking outcome-focused questions like “Did you get a goal?” or “What was your grade?”, shift to questions that emphasize effort and participation. Use prompts like “Did you enjoy playing?” or “How did you feel about your effort today?” This helps children focus on their involvement and personal growth rather than just the final result.

Create “Did You or Did You Not” Targets

Identify everyday tasks where the outcome can be defined simply as “Did you or did you not?” For instance, “Did you play the game?” rather than “Did you win?” or “Did you hand in your assignment?” instead of “Did you get it perfect?” At this point of learning to manage perfectionism, simplifying goals helps reduce pressure by focusing on participation and completion rather than perfection.

 Model Binary Thinking with Your Own Tasks

Demonstrate this shift in thinking with your own tasks. Verbalize your actions aloud. Children learn a lot from observing adults. Modeling this thinking reinforces the approach in real-life contexts.

Set Up “Try Something New” Challenges

Encourage the child to try something new each week where the focus is purely on participation. Examples include trying a new hobby, playing a game, or attempting a new skill. This builds resilience and shows kids that trying is valuable, regardless of immediate success.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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

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

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

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline goes deeper into the practical side of overcoming perfectionism with a focus on procedural thinking.

She shares actionable steps to help kids break free from the overwhelming need to be perfect by shifting their mindset to “What’s next?”

Learn how to guide children through breaking tasks into manageable steps, using reflective questions, celebrating effort, and embracing the journey of trial and error.

This episode is packed with tips to foster resilience, adaptability, and a love of learning, helping kids stay focused on progress rather than perfection. Tune in to discover simple yet powerful ways to help children keep moving forward!

Prefer to watch? Check out the episode on YouTube!

And, to help kids shift away from perfectionism and embrace procedural thinking, choose at least one of these practical homework activities this week.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Choose a task your child is struggling with or avoiding. Work with them to break it down into smaller, sequential steps. Use visual aids like Post-its, a checklist, or a step-by-step plan on paper. This approach makes overwhelming tasks feel achievable and helps kids stay focused on one step at a time, reducing anxiety.

Practice Low-Stakes Problem-Solving

Engage in activities like board games, puzzles, or building blocks where mistakes happen frequently. Use these moments to practice the “What’s next?” mindset. When a mistake occurs, gently prompt, “What’s next?” to keep the momentum going. This will build familiarity with the “What’s next?” approach in a fun, low-pressure setting, making it easier to apply in more stressful situations.

If they want, have them make a “What’s Next?” visual and display it where they often face challenges. This keeps their focus on the next action rather than getting stuck in self-criticism or rumination.

Model “What’s Next?” in Your Own Life

Verbally model your problem-solving when you face setbacks or mistakes. Share your thought process aloud, such as, “I made an error in this recipe—what’s next? I’ll adjust and try again.” Involve your child in finding solutions when appropriate. Doing so demonstrates resilience and flexibility, showing kids that mistakes are normal and manageable.

End-of-Day Reflection

At the end of each day, ask your child to reflect on any mistakes they made and, importantly, what they did next. Discuss how using “What’s next?” helped them move forward. These reflections reinforce the habit of focusing on actionable steps and acknowledge their resilience and perseverance.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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

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

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we’re tackling the one thing that can completely sabotage a child's mental health.

Perfectionism. Today, we explore what it looks like, where it comes from, and how it impacts their emotional well-being. We break down the difference between healthy striving and unhealthy perfectionism, and why it’s so important for children to learn that mistakes are not just okay, but a necessary part of growth.

Learn how perfectionistic thinking traps kids in anxiety, procrastination, and avoidance, and discover practical strategies to help them shift to a healthier mindset. This episode is packed with actionable tips to support kids in becoming resilient, confident learners who embrace challenges and find joy in the process.

And, be sure to check out these homework activities discussed in the episode to help shift perfectionistic thinking and promote a healthier mindset in children.

Start narrating your own mistakes aloud in front of your child. For instance, if you burn dinner, talk through it: “Oops, I got distracted. That’s okay—I’ll adjust and keep going.” Show them how you cope with errors calmly.

Create a “Mistake of the Day” tradition. Encourage everyone to share their mistakes and what they learned from them. Turn it into a fun and positive experience by celebrating these moments.

Prefer to watch? Check it out on YouTube!

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

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions join Dr. Caroline with special guest Chana Studley, a remarkable figure who transitioned from a Hollywood special effects artist to a leading trauma and addiction counsellor. Chana shares her unique journey from creating illusions in film to unraveling the illusions of the mind, her innovative approach to therapy, and the realization that we are never truly broken.

Learn how Chana uses her background in special effects to explain how our minds create illusions of fear and anxiety and discover practical strategies to discover our innate resilience.

About Chana

Chana Studley is a trauma counselolr with over 30 years experience. She has written 3 books. Her latest book, Very Well, was an Amazon #1 best seller. Chana is passionate about pointing people back to their own innate well-being and showing her clients that no one is ever broken.

Connect with Chana Studley:

• Website: http://chanastudley.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chanastudley
• Email: [email protected]

Chana's 3 books are all on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Very-Well-novel-about-hormones/dp/B0BV4LSCFQ

https://www.amazon.com/Painless-novel-Chronic-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/B08PM27MJF

https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Low-Self-Esteem-Hollywood-healing/dp/1790894573

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

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

In this concluding episode of this series on managing school avoidance, Dr. Caroline wraps up the school avoidance discussion by focusing on the essential skills students need to acquire and the processes that must be implemented to ensure a successful return to school.

If you haven’t yet listened to the previous episodes, be sure to catch up. In those episodes, Dr. Caroline laid the foundation for student success by exploring the key considerations for creating a supportive environment and equipping adults with effective strategies to respond to anxiety.

Today Dr. Caroline discusses the practical skills and actionable steps that are critical for helping students overcome school avoidance and thrive in their academic journey.

For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to conduct a functional analysis and design an effective re-entry plan, check out Dr. Caroline's School Refusal training. https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

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

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

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

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I continue part two of this series on school avoidance, focusing on treatment considerations.

I emphasize the need for a comprehensive, home- and school-based approach to effectively address the complex needs of students, families, and schools and an optimal environment for students to thrive.

Tune in to identify any unaddressed needs that could hinder kids' progress. This episode sets the stage for our upcoming discussion, where I will explore the essential skills students need to develop, along with strategies for crafting tailored re-entry plans.

And, be sure to check out my School Refusal training, where you will learn even more to help kids be successful: https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

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

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses a hard topic: school-avoidant behaviours.

This is a three-part series, as school avoidance is a complex issue that demands a comprehensive approach.

In the first part of this series, Dr. Caroline lays the foundational principles necessary to support students on their journey toward overcoming school avoidance. This issue is more than just a challenge; it's a crisis that, if left unaddressed, can leave students vulnerable to a range of risks, including social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

Want to learn even more? Be sure to check out my school refusal workshop! https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

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/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

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/