.png)
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
171. Is it bad parenting to hide during a meltdown?
Kids don’t come with instruction manuals—but if they did, this episode would be page one.
Today on Parents of the Year, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren returns to share what actually works when kids are overwhelmed, impulsive, or emotionally explosive. From managing sibling fights to handling suicidal expressions without panic, we talk about emotional regulation, safety, collaboration, executive functioning, and why your family calendar might be the most underrated parenting tool of all.
Whether you're raising kids with ADHD, anxiety, or just navigating the chaos of daily life, this conversation is packed with strategies that make a real difference—especially when everything feels like too much.
Homework Ideas
Calendar Collaboration
Sit down with your child and create a daily visual schedule. Include:
- Wake-up & wind-down anchors
- Breaks, homework time, screen time
- Visual representations of how long each task will take
👉 Use colour coding, icons, or Google Calendar blocks depending on age.
Practice the Pause
Next time your child is overwhelmed:
- Reflect their emotion instead of solving
- Verbally model your own calm down (“I’m going to take a breath. I’ll be right here.”)
- Save the teaching for later—write it down and revisit when everyone’s regulated.
Check out these ideas for effective Collaboration Conversations
The goal: Plan Together. Avoid Power Struggles. Build Buy-In.
🧒 Ages 5–7: Simple Choices & Visual Prompts
Use concrete language and visual options to help them feel empowered.
Try saying:
🗣 “We’re going to make a plan for after school. Want to draw it with me or use stickers?”
🗣 “You get to pick: homework first or snack first?”
🗣 “Here’s your calendar! Want to colour your ‘play time’ blue and ‘homework’ red?”
🔁 Use: Picture schedules, sticker charts, icons
🧑 Ages 8–12: Guided Ownership
Start inviting them into the problem-solving process with scaffolding.
Try saying:
🗣 “I noticed we’re getting stuck on homework time. Lets come up with a plan that works for both of us.”
🗣 “I’ll write your ideas down too—what do you think would help?”
🗣 “How long do you think that worksheet will take? Want to set a timer and see?”
📌 Use: Whiteboards, timers, printed block schedules
🧠 Teens: Autonomy + Accountability
Use reflective language and motivational interviewing to uncover internal drive.
Try saying:
🗣 “You said you want to pass your test. What’s getting in the way of studying right now?”
🗣 “Want me to help make a study plan with rewards or do you want to create your own?”
🗣 “You’re in charge of how this goes—I’m here to support you when you’re ready.”
📝 Use: Shared digital calendars, reward menus, self-created schedules
💬 Universal Prompts for All Ages
✅ “What do you think would help?”
✅ “How do you want this to go?”
✅ “What’s one thing we can try differently tomorrow?”
✅ “Would you like me to stay close or give you space?”
✅ “Should we make a ‘calm plan’ for next time this happens?”
🎁 Bonus Tip: Keep a whiteboard or m
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