241. Is Reassurance Making Anxiety Worse?

About this episode

Dr. Caroline Buzanko discusses how reassurance may inadvertently worsen anxiety in children and offers strategies for building resilience.

We are often hearing the same message everywhere: calm kids down first. But what if that approach is quietly teaching children to fear discomfort instead of handling it? In this episode of Overpowering Emotions , Dr. Caroline Buzanko breaks down the difference between helping kids regulate emotions and helping them avoid emotions. She explains why constant calming, rescuing, reassurance, and distraction can lower a child’s stress tolerance over time and what actually builds resilience instead. You’ll learn: Why timing matters when using breathing and grounding tools How avoidance gets reinforced without adults realizing it What courage really looks like in anxious moments Why kids need practice staying engaged during discomfort How parents and teachers can support children without removing the challenge The role sleep plays in emotional regulation and learning This episode is essential listening for anyone supporting anxious children, overwhelmed teens, or students struggling with emotional resilience. Homework Reflection Noticed: “When do I step in to reduce unpleasant feelings, and when do I support that movement through those unpleasant feelings?” Practical Activities Pause…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Caroline Buzanko

Topics covered

• anxiety
• emotional regulation
• resilience
• parenting
• child development

Keywords

• anxiety
• reassurance
• emotional regulation
• resilience
• parenting strategies
• discomfort
• stress tolerance

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