Today’s guest, Laura Lyles Reagan, family sociologist and parenting communication coach, brings powerful reminders about the deep social roots of teen well-being.

We unpack how intentional rites of passage, strong support networks, and real communication shape a teenager’s sense of safety and belonging — and how we can step up in meaningful ways.

Tune in to hear practical ways to help teens build resilience and confidence in a world that can feel overwhelming. Small steps make a lasting difference.

Homework Ideas:

Build a Teen Support Network Map

Help teens list trusted adults and mentors they can turn to for different types of support (academic, emotional, practical). Use a simple tree, mind map, or committee chart.

Create Family Rites of Passage

Identify and celebrate meaningful milestones beyond academics (e.g., first solo trip to the store, managing their own schedule, contributing to a family project).

Practice Conscious Conversations

Focus on open-ended questions and true listening without judgment or "but" statements. Model emotional safety by validating feelings before offering advice.

Introduce a Communication Journal

Set up a simple journal where teens can share thoughts with parents or mentors outside of stressful moments.

Resources

Conversation Starters to use with silent or moody teens and the Conflict Free Conversation Checklist at https://LauraLReagan.com

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

About Laura

Laura Lyles Reagan, MS is a family sociologist, youth development researcher, parent and teen communication coach and award-winning author of How to Raise Respectful Parents. She helps parents and teens move from conflict to connection that lasts a lifetime. She teaches communication skills which help parents co-create solutions to problems and build positive futures together in her coaching practice and parent workshops nationwide.

https://LauraLReagan.com

Facebook Group, @Brave Parents Raising Teens

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/

When emotions get tangled up in rumination, kids—and adults—can stay stuck. Expressive writing offers a way out.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares how writing helps shift overwhelming emotions into structured thinking, builds resilience, and keeps the brain's self-regulation system online. She explains why freewriting beats silent spiraling, how to introduce this tool to kids, and how a simple daily habit can create lasting emotional change.

This episode explores:

· Why writing regulates better than talking or thinking

· How to introduce structured emotional writing at home and school

· Ways to adapt expressive writing for different ages and comfort levels

· How to use gratitude journals, letters, and storytelling to strengthen resilience

Homework Ideas:

Personal Trial

Spend 15–20 minutes writing freely about an emotional experience for 4 consecutive days. No editing, no structure. Just write.

Introduce to Kids

· Adapt freewriting for different ages: drawing, storytelling, or voice-to-text if needed.

· Introduce a Feelings Journal with no rules—just a safe space.

Gratitude Practice

Write 3 things you’re grateful for each night for one week. Try it with kids too.

Communication Journal

Start a parent-child or teacher-student communication notebook. Quietly pass it back and forth. No pressure, no corrections.

Story Rewrites

Encourage rewriting tough experiences with a different ending to build emotional flexibility.

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/

When it comes to helping kids manage big emotions, we often think about what to say. But sometimes the most powerful support isn’t verbal—it’s physical.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko explores how safe, affectionate touch builds emotional security, reduces stress, and strengthens connection. Learn how simple, proactive physical contact like hugs, high-fives, and gentle reassurance can regulate emotions better than words ever could.

This episode covers:

· How touch calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety

· Why proactive physical connection builds trust and emotional resilience

· Practical ways to use touch to strengthen relationships

· How to respect comfort zones while fostering deeper emotional connections

Homework Ideas:

✅ Proactive Connection Challenge

· Give at least one extra physical touch every day (hug, high-five, hand on shoulder).

· Notice emotional responses without using extra words.

✅ Observe and Adjust:

· Track how different kids or teens respond to different types of touch.

· Respect comfort levels and ask if needed.

✅ Mississippi Hugs:

· Try a 6-second hug rule ("Six Mississippi's") at key moments: greeting, goodbye, before bedtime.

✅ Silent Presence Practice:

· Sit quietly next to a dysregulated child without speaking. Focus on calming presence and gentle proximity.

Prefer to watch?

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/