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
174. Are therapists’ kids more messed up?
Are therapists’ kids really more "messed up"? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline explore the myths and realities surrounding parenting as a mental health professional. From bringing work home, to pathologizing kids, to the fine line between validation and over-parenting, they explore what’s myth, what’s truth, and where parenting is just parenting. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples (including pranks gone wrong), this episode offers perspective for parents navigating their own parenting style, whether or not they work in the helping professions.
Homework Idea
Let Kids Feel Without Fixing
- Next time your child is distressed, resist the urge to immediately jump in with strategies.
- Instead, sit with them, acknowledge the feeling, and give them space to calm on their own.
- Journal afterwards: How hard was it for you to pause? Did your child surprise you?
Practice Emotion Coaching
Emotion Coaching helps children understand and manage their emotions. It encourages emotional intelligence, strengthens parent-child relationships, and boosts resilience in kids. Try practicing:
- See emotions as opportunities for connection. Emotions aren’t good or bad, they’re opportunities to teach and connect. Validate without judgment: “I get why that made you upset.”
- Listen and validate. Show empathy by reflecting feelings tentatively: “That must have been disappointing.” Listen actively, avoid immediately solving problems.
- Help your child label their feelings clearly. Guide them gently to name their feelings. Use a feelings chart or wheel to help.
- Collaboratively problem-solve or set limits if needed, without taking over:
“What do you think might help?” Set clear limits on behavior, not emotion:
“It’s okay to be angry, but we don’t yell at people.. What would be a better way to show how you're feeling?”
Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK
Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!
Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!
Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526