Episode 29: After-School Meltdowns - How to Help Kids Regulate From Pickup to Dinner time
Release Date: 02/03/2026
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...
info_outlineIf weeknights feel like one long meltdown—from the car ride home to bedtime—you’re not alone.
In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn sits down with Kristin Harrington, occupational therapist and mom of two, to talk through practical, body-based tools to help kids regulate after school—without shame, power struggles, or unrealistic expectations.
👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series
⏱ Timestamps
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0:00 – Welcome + why after-school regulation matters
3:00 – Why kids fall apart after school
6:30 – What to do right at pickup (car tools that help)
10:45 – Sensory buckets explained (overflowing vs. empty)
14:30 – Movement ideas to release after-school energy
18:30 – Indoor movement when you can’t get outside
22:30 – Dinner time strategies (choices + connection)
26:30 – Nighttime tools to calm the nervous system
29:30 – Kristin’s personal regulation tool + wrap-up
🧠 What You’ll Learn
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Why kids often unravel after school (even on “good” days)
How to support regulation in the car, at home, and at bedtime
What a “sensory bucket” is and why it matters
Why movement before calm activities is key
How connection helps the nervous system settle
🚗 Right-After-School Tools (Car + Pickup)
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Have something ready before pickup (snack, fidget)
Music (sing or sit quietly—both count)
High / Low / Buffalo game (parent joins in)
Respect personality: some kids need to talk, others need silence
🧺 At-Home Regulation: What to Ask Yourself
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Is my child’s sensory bucket overflowing or empty?
Do they need movement or quiet connection?
Have they eaten yet? (Chewy snacks help many kids regulate.) -
🏃♂️ Movement Ideas That Actually Help
Outside (when possible):
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Playground time
Ball play (catch, soccer, basketball)
Bikes, scooters, chalk, barefoot time
Inside:
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Jumping, crawling, rolling in a blanket
Nugget couch play
Obstacle courses
Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying)
✨ Tip: Add structure (“10 jumps” vs. “go play”) to avoid overstimulation.
🍽 Dinner Time Support
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Offer choices (“With me or alone?”)
Let kids help when possible
Create a calm space if they need distance
Sit together when you can—connection regulates -
🌙 Nighttime Tools to Calm the Body -
Deep pressure (hugs, squeezes, pillow sandwich)
Rocking or gentle movement
Sensory bins, Play-Doh, coloring
Stretching, yoga, calming music
Consistent routine (same order every night)
💛 A Gentle Reminder
After-school meltdowns aren’t bad behavior.
They’re a nervous system asking for support.
Small, proactive tools—used consistently—can change the entire rhythm of your evenings.
🎧 Want Support?
If you’re listening and thinking, “I want help applying this in my home,” you can book a low-pressure discovery call using the link in the show notes. We’ll talk it through and see what feels supportive for your family.
I’m rooting for you.