Music hits different when it speaks to your soul—and it can do the same for kids. In this episode, Dr. Caroline explores how music affects the brain and the role it can have in helping kids manage emotions. When using music intentionally, not as a distraction but as a tool, the right playlist can help kids process emotions, shift moods, and respond to situations proactively.

Hear more about helping kids build their own music toolbox to boost emotional balance, increase self-awareness, and manage everyday stress. From pump-up jams before a hockey game to sad songs that offer comfort after a rough day, music meets us where we are—and can help guide us forward.

Homework Ideas

Music Toolbox

Help kids create a personalized Music Toolbox with (at least) three intentional playlists:

• Power Playlist – Songs that boost confidence and focus before tough tasks or sports.
• Chill-Out Playlist – Calming tracks to slow breathing and ease transitions or stress.
• Comfort Playlist – Sad or emotionally honest songs to help process and release tough feelings.

Ask:

• “What does this song make you feel?”
• “Where do you feel it in your body?”
• “When would this song help you most?”

Model

Talk about how YOU use music for motivation, calm, and processing emotions. Create and use your own playlists too! Model intentional use of music for emotional regulation.

Experiment

Over the next week, help kids experiment with different genres and tempos of music. Try at least three types of music they don’t normally listen to. After listening to each type for a few minutes, have them jot down their responses:

• What emotion(s) came up?
• Where did you feel it in your body?
• What thoughts popped into your head?
• Would you choose to listen to that again when you feel overwhelmed, sad, bored, anxious, or unmotivated?

Create a Music Reset Plan

Help kids use music proactively for emotional balance and stress regulation. Have them pick a moment during their day when they might feel stressed or scattered and listen to a (helpful) personal playlist to promote balance. Choose 3–5 songs that calm, motivate, or ground. Use it regularly throughout the day every day.

For the first week, it is helpful to answer these reflection questions after each use:

• What mood were you in before you listened?
• What changed (if anything) afterward?
• Was the music helpful for getting back on track?
• Would you change anything on your playlist?

Invite kids to create different versions: a “wake-up reset,” a “pre-test calm,” or a “post-conflict cool-down” playlist.

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/

We know movement is good for mood. But what if it’s also the missing link to helping kids (and adults) become better problem solvers?

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explains how physical movement helps regulate emotions, unlock creativity, and activate the brain’s problem-solving systems. Learn why talking while walking is more effective than sitting face-to-face, how to avoid getting stuck in emotional venting loops, and what kind of movement actually shifts kids from spiraling into clarity.

This is more than a brain break—this is a strategy that works.

Learn practical ideas to help kids problem-solve when emotions run high.

Homework Ideas

✅ Try the “Load-and-Move” Strategy: Go for a walk. Before the walk, ask your child to think of one question they’re stuck on (e.g., What should I do about my friend ignoring me?).

· During the walk or rhythmic activity: Don’t push for answers. Let the thoughts flow and the body move.

· After the walk: Ask what popped up during the activity. Was anything clearer?

✅ Incorporate Brain-Body Breaks

· Set timers for 15–20 minutes during homework or classwork to stand, stretch, or walk.

· Use silly dances, skipping, or “shake it off” routines to release tension.

✅ Shift from Face-to-Face to Side-by-Side

· Use walking conversations instead of sit-down problem-solving talks. It eases pressure and opens dialogue.

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/

What if emotional health wasn’t something we “talked about” but something kids could actually practice—every single day? In this episode, Rafael McMaster of Indivisible Arts joins Caroline to share the 7 practical tools his nonprofit teaches Gen Z and Gen Alpha youth to build emotional strength, self-awareness, and authentic connection.

They explore why most kids say “I’m fine” when they’re not, how screens and social pressure are rewiring the teen brain, and what it really takes to build emotional resilience from the inside out.

You’ll hear how even young kids ae learning to recognize unhelpful thought loops, shift their mindset with tools like G-flipping, and create meaning through creativity and connection.

Perfect for educators, parents, and mental health professionals ready to move beyond theory and give youth tools they’ll actually use

Homework Ideas

Learn and Practice the 7 Tools Yourself

• Awareness: Notice recurring patterns of emotions.

• Acceptance: Let go of needing things to be different right now.

• Intention: Set a daily intention using feeling-based language.

• G-Flip: Reframe a frustration into a gratitude-based statement.

• Compassion: Show yourself the kindness you'd give your child.

• Forgiveness: Write one letter to release resentment (even if you never send it).

• Connection: Schedule a creative or awe-filled moment—walk in nature, make art, or sit in stillness.

Start “Tool Talks” With Youth

• Ask: “Which tool do you think we both need today?”

• Practice one together for 5 minutes before bed or after school.

About Rafael

Rafael McMaster is a creative leader in youth mindfulness - teaching consciousness to the next Generation of students in a fresh way. He founded a youth creative laboratory - Resin, in Hermosa Beach, CA - as well as founding a 501c3 non-profit, Indivisible Arts that teaches fundamental life tools to youth. Rafael just published his first book, the “Fundamental Life Tools” this month, as well as the Emerging Consciousness Broadcast Center, and one destination where youth can begin learning about consciousness through tools being taught by fellow teens and youth.

Check out his new book!

Fundamental Life Tools: Self-Empowering Toolkit for Being

Where to find Rafael

Websites: https://www.indivisiblearts.org/

https://www.rafaelmcmaster.com/

https://www.theemergingc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-mcmaster-ba573531/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.peace/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVP8eNYx58z

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/