Episode 23: Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids (When You’re Stuck Inside)
Release Date: 12/22/2025
Episode 42: Fun, Burnout and Balance for Moms (An Interview with Megan Caldwell)
Emotions With Ease
Feel like you’re doing everything right—but still exhausted? In this episode, Jami talks with Megan Caldwell about why high-achieving moms burn out and how fun (yes, fun) might be the missing piece. Spoiler: you don’t need a full life overhaul—just small shifts that actually feel good. Key Takeaways: Burnout often comes from misalignment—looking fine outside, drowning inside Fun isn’t extra—it builds resilience, energy, and connection “People > productivity” creates calmer, more connected homes Simple Script Parents Can Say: “People matter more than the to-do...
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Episode 41 Game Film Parenting: Fix Meltdowns at the Root
Emotions With Ease
What if your hardest parenting moments could actually become your best teachers? In this episode, I walk you through her “Game Film” tool—how to pause, replay, and coach yourself through tough moments so you can show up calmer next time. Plus, I introduce the Root System so you stop chasing behaviors and start addressing what’s really driving them. Key Takeaways: Stop chasing behavior: focus on the roots (body, brain, beliefs, boundaries, balance, belonging) instead of the “bad apples.” Game Film = growth: replay hard moments to spot what actually drove the meltdown and what to do...
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Episode 40: Turn Parenting Mistakes Into Calmer Wins
Emotions With Ease
Intro: What if you could “rewind” a tough parenting moment and learn exactly what to do differently next time? In this episode, Jami shares a simple tool she calls Game Film—a practical way to reflect, reset, and show up calmer when it matters most. Key Takeaways: Pause + replay: Walk through a hard moment step-by-step and notice where things escalated. Brain states matter: Logic doesn’t land when your child is in Watchdog Brain—regulation comes first. You set the tone: Stay the “thermostat” (calm leader), not the thermometer (matching their chaos). Simple Script: “Hey,...
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Episode 39: What to do After a Child Meltdown
Emotions With Ease
Your child melts down… calms down… but everything still feels off. The re-entry is awkward, siblings are on edge, and your child seems shut down. Here’s exactly what to do in that in-between moment. Key Takeaways: After a meltdown, kids are often feeling embarrassment or guilt (not just “being difficult”) Re-entry matters: a quick connection helps your child feel safe again The “rip + repair” loop must be completed (don’t just move on like nothing happened) 1 Simple Script: “I’m really glad you’re back. We can talk about it later—I’m here.” Want help walking...
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Episode 38: Why Moms Yell- The Nervous System Explained
Emotions With Ease
If you’ve ever said, “I won’t yell today”… and then did—it’s not because you’re failing. It’s your nervous system hitting the gas without a brake. In this episode, we make it simple: what’s happening in your body and what to do in the moment. 3 Key Takeaways It’s not a character flaw—it’s your nervous system: Gas (reactivity), shutdown (freeze), and the missing piece—your brake. Triggers + low capacity = reaction: It’s not just your child’s behavior—it’s how full your system already is. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s faster recovery: Pause sooner,...
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Episode 37: Helping Kids Through Grief and Big Feelings
Emotions With Ease
When we hear the word grief, we usually think death. But in this episode, Meghan Riordan Jarvis reminds us that grief also shows up in everyday kid life—lost loveys, friendship drama, not making the team, and all the “this is the worst day ever” moments. This conversation is practical, honest, and full of tools that help parents support kids without making it weird or heavier than it already is. 3 Key Takeaways Grief is bigger than death: It’s the body’s response to loss, and kids feel it in everyday disappointments too. Don’t rush the feelings: Kids may not be “done” just...
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Episode 36: Why Moms Feel Alone in Parenting (And What Helps)
Emotions With Ease
Ever feel like you’re the only mom struggling behind closed doors? Like everyone else is thriving while you’re just trying to get through the day? This episode is your reminder: you are not alone—and there’s a better way to get support. 3 Key Takeaways Surface-level connection creates isolation: When we don’t go deeper, it looks like everyone else is fine. You’re not the only one: Many families are navigating big emotions and behaviors—you just don’t see it. Growth happens in community: Watching others get coached gives you clarity, perspective, and real tools. 1 Simple...
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Episode 35: What Does a School Counselor Do for Students?
Emotions With Ease
What School Counselors Actually Do for Students Ever wondered what a school counselor actually does all day besides magically appear when your child is melting down in the hallway? In this episode, I sit down with veteran school counselor Tina Russell to talk about how school counselors support students socially, emotionally, and practically—and why they can be such a helpful part of your family’s team. 3 Key Takeaways School counselors do more than crisis support: They teach social-emotional lessons, run small groups, check in with students, and help coordinate resources behind the...
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Episode 34: When You Hear Your Parent’s Voice Come Out of Your Mouth
Emotions With Ease
Have you ever reacted to your child and thought, “Oh no… that sounded exactly like my mom.” You’re not broken — you’re human. In this episode, we talk about why our kids trigger old parenting patterns and how to start changing them with small, doable steps. 3 Key Takeaways Awareness is the starting point: Noticing your triggers is the first step to breaking generational cycles. Borrow better models: Healthy parenting can be learned by observing and asking other parents how they handle hard moments. Self-compassion fuels growth: Change happens faster when you’re kind to...
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Episode 33: Meredith Miller on Raising Kids Who Love Scripture (Without Forcing It)
Emotions With Ease
Wonder Conversations: Helping Kids Love Scripture Intro Meredith Miller joins Emotions with Ease on release day for her new book, We talk about making Bible stories feel safe, life-giving, and actually engaging—especially in those tired, end-of-day moments when everyone’s nervous system is toast. 3 Key Takeaways Wonder beats pressure: Scripture works better as a conversation (question mark) than a lecture (period). You have freedom: If bedtime is chaotic, shorten it, make it silly, or swap to a breath prayer—connection is the goal. Grace changes everything: Focusing on who...
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Christmas break is magical… and also a lot.
Cold weather, packed schedules, sibling conflict, and nowhere to burn off energy can turn emotions big fast.
In this short, cozy episode of Emotions with Ease, I’m joined by a very special guest — our daughter— to share real, kid-approved tools for emotional regulation when going outside isn’t an option.
These are simple, practical strategies we actually use in our home to help kids move through big feelings and return to calm — without yelling, screens as the only solution, or pretending emotions don’t exist.
Resources Mentioned: Worry Strategy Cards from Counselor Keri
⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Highlights
2:00 – Why Going Outside Helps Regulate Emotions
Movement matters — but what happens when you’re stuck inside?
4:00 – Tool #1: The ABC Grounding Game
Naming things you can see from A to Z to calm anxiety and refocus the brain.
6:30 – Tool #2: The Mindful Minute (5-4-3-2-1 Senses)
Using the five senses to come back to the present moment.
9:00 – Tool #3: Deep Belly Breathing + Cuddling
Co-regulation, connection, and calming the Watchdog brain.
12:00 – Tool #4: Dance It Out
Why blasting music (yes, even Adele) helps release emotional energy.
14:30 – Bonus Idea: “The Floor Is Lava”
Creative movement that gets wiggles out without leaving the house.
16:00 – Encouragement for Parents
You don’t need perfect days — you just need tools.
🧰 Emotional Regulation Tools Shared in This Episode
🧠 ABC Grounding Game
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Name something you see starting with A, then B, then C…
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Helps shift the brain out of anxiety and back into the present moment
👀 Mindful Minute (5-4-3-2-1)
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5 things you see
4 things you hear
3 things you smell
2 things you touch
1 thing you taste
💛 Deep Belly Breathing + Cuddling with a Co-Regulator (aka- parent)
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Hand on heart or belly
Slow breaths from the diaphragm
Co-regulation calms the amygdala (aka the Watchdog brain)
🎶 Dance Breaks
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Crank up Siri
Choose one song per person
Big movement helps release emotional energy fast
🛋️ Creative Movement Indoors
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Pillows on the floor
“The Floor Is Lava”
Jumping, balancing, laughing = regulation
🌱 Key Takeaways for Parents
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Emotional regulation doesn’t stop during winter — it just needs creativity
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Body movement is one of the fastest ways to calm big emotions
Co-regulation (your calm helping their calm) matters deeply -
You don’t need more discipline — you need more tools
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Kids can learn to name and use tools when they’re taught in calm moments
💬 A Gentle Reminder
Big emotions don’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
They mean your child’s nervous system needs support.
And the good news?
You already have what you need — tools, connection, and presence.
If this episode was helpful:
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Share it with another parent navigating Christmas break
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Save it for the next rainy or freezing day
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Try one tool this week — that’s enough
And if you want more tools like these, head to my website for workshops, courses, and family-friendly emotional wellness resources.
Rooting for you — and wishing you a cozy, regulated holiday season. 🎄💛