230. What’s the “Next Right Thing” to Say When a Student Is Panicking?
About this episode
Dr. Caroline Buzanko discusses how to help kids and teens take actionable steps during moments of anxiety and panic.
Radical acceptance is a strong start… then kids still look at you like, “Okay, now what?” In this episode of Overpowering Emotions , Dr. Caroline Buzanko teaches the missing step: agency —helping kids and teens take the next right thing even when they feel anxious, angry, embarrassed, or stuck. You’ll hear simple scripts, plus kid-friendly metaphors (GPS detours, storms and umbrellas, rivers, and the “two arrows”) that turn spirals into small, doable moves. Dr. Caroline also shares a real story from parenting a 10-year-old through a tough coaching situation—without swooping in—and shows how to validate emotions while still building resilience. If you support youth with anxiety, school refusal, perfectionism, overwhelm, or big feelings, this episode gives you practical language and quick activities you can use today: grounding in the body, values-based choices, “even though” self-coaching, and daily reflection that trains courage over avoidance. Homework activities for adults supporting kids/teens A) The 3-step reset (use in real time) Prompt 1: “Name the reality.” (“This is hard.” “This hurts.”) Prompt 2: “Find it in your body.” (“Where do you feel it—chest, hands, stomach?”…
More episodes of Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience
- 239. Why does trying to fix negative thoughts make them stronger?
- 238 Are You Solving Too Much for Your Kids?
- 237. Are We Accidentally Raising Kids Who Are Afraid to Fail?
- 236. Why Doesn’t Reassurance Work for Anxiety and Big Feelings?
- 235. Are You Helping Kids Too Much—and Hurting Their Confidence?
- 234. Why Do Kids Lose Control of Their Emotions — And What Signals Do We Miss First?
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