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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
175. Is boredom the emotional reset kids need?
In this special recast episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline explains how boredom is actually a biological signal, not something to avoid or fix. Learn how boredom supports emotional regulation, executive functioning, creativity, and mental well-being—for both kids and adults.
Learn:
* What boredom really means in the brain and body
* Why screens increase boredom (and emotional dysregulation)
* How boredom supports creativity, problem-solving, and identity formation
* Tips to help kids (and yourself) tolerate and embrace stillness
* Why sitting in boredom is essential for emotion regulation
Homework & Resources
- Schedule daily "do-nothing" breaks: 3–5 minutes of intentional stillness—no phones, music, or multitasking. Just breathe, notice, and pause.
- Model boredom tolerance: Say “I’m bored too—let’s sit with it together” (even if you aren’t). Normalize the emotion without rushing to fix it. Who knows what spark might happen!
- Reframe the language: Instead of “I’m bored,” try “I’m resetting” or “I’m giving my brain a break.” Teach this shift to your kids.
- Observe your own reaction to kids’ boredom: Are you rushing to solve it? Sit with that discomfort too.
- Create a boredom menu: Use the resource below as a proactive list of creative activities kids can reference before they feel bored. Designed to spark curiosity after rest—not replace it. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/how-to-thrive-covid-19-119-activities-to-engage-your-kids/
And, bonus, get the Free Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety Guide: https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/5760738d1f
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