Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
155. How can we use writing to process big emotions and connect with our kids?
Have you ever considered how storytelling—whether through writing, conversations, or reflection—can help kids (and adults) process emotions, strengthen relationships, and even reframe painful experiences?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with author Kennerly Clay to explore the hidden power of writing and storytelling in emotional regulation.
They discuss:
✔️ How journaling and letter writing can help kids and parents communicate emotions
✔️ Why revisiting past experiences can lead to healing and resilience
✔️ How to introduce storytelling as a creative tool within your family
Tune in to learn strategies to make storytelling a powerful emotional tool.
Homework Ideas
✅ Activity 1: Start a Parent-Child Journal
- Find a notebook and establish a routine where your child can write (or draw) their thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
- Let them pass it to you when they want you to respond.
- Goal: Build a safe space for kids to share emotions they may not verbalize.
✅ Activity 2: Reflect on Your Own Childhood
- Write about an experience from your childhood that shaped you.
- Then, try to see it from a different perspective—what would your parent’s version of that story be?
- Goal: Gain a deeper understanding of how childhood memories evolve and how they influence your parenting.
✅ Activity 3: Use Storytelling to Teach Emotional Processing
- Pick a recent situation where your child was upset.
- Help them retell the event by asking, "What happened first? What were you feeling? What did you learn?"
- Goal: Teach kids that every experience—good or bad—is part of their growing story.
📌 Recommended Resource:
📚 Emotion Wheel Printout – Helps kids put words to feelings. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/
About Kenerly
Kennerly Clay is an accomplished author, senior content strategist, and thought leader specializing in storytelling that resonates. Her memoir, _Letters from East of Nowhere: Daddy’s Words to Live, Drink & Die By_, captures the complexities of familial relationships, addiction, and forgiveness through the lens of personal letters from her father. Winner of the "First Place in Addiction & Recovery Category" award, Kennerly’s work is celebrated for its raw honesty and cathartic exploration of difficult subjects.
Get in touch
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennerlyclay/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lettersfromeastofnowhere/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lettersfromeastofnowhere
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