Kids don’t come with instruction manuals—but if they did, this episode would be page one.
Today on Parents of the Year, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren returns to share what actually works when kids are overwhelmed, impulsive, or emotionally explosive. From managing sibling fights to handling suicidal expressions without panic, we talk about emotional regulation, safety, collaboration, executive functioning, and why your family calendar might be the most underrated parenting tool of all.
Whether you're raising kids with ADHD, anxiety, or just navigating the chaos of daily life, this conversation is packed with strategies that make a real difference—especially when everything feels like too much.
Homework Ideas
Calendar Collaboration
Sit down with your child and create a daily visual schedule. Include:
- Wake-up & wind-down anchors
- Breaks, homework time, screen time
- Visual representations of how long each task will take
👉 Use colour coding, icons, or Google Calendar blocks depending on age.
Practice the Pause
Next time your child is overwhelmed:
- Reflect their emotion instead of solving
- Verbally model your own calm down (“I’m going to take a breath. I’ll be right here.”)
- Save the teaching for later—write it down and revisit when everyone’s regulated.
Check out these ideas for effective Collaboration Conversations
The goal: Plan Together. Avoid Power Struggles. Build Buy-In.
🧒 Ages 5–7: Simple Choices & Visual Prompts
Use concrete language and visual options to help them feel empowered.
Try saying:
🗣 “We’re going to make a plan for after school. Want to draw it with me or use stickers?”
🗣 “You get to pick: homework first or snack first?”
🗣 “Here’s your calendar! Want to colour your ‘play time’ blue and ‘homework’ red?”
🔁 Use: Picture schedules, sticker charts, icons
🧑 Ages 8–12: Guided Ownership
Start inviting them into the problem-solving process with scaffolding.
Try saying:
🗣 “I noticed we’re getting stuck on homework time. Lets come up with a plan that works for both of us.”
🗣 “I’ll write your ideas down too—what do you think would help?”
🗣 “How long do you think that worksheet will take? Want to set a timer and see?”
📌 Use: Whiteboards, timers, printed block schedules
🧠 Teens: Autonomy + Accountability
Use reflective language and motivational interviewing to uncover internal drive.
Try saying:
🗣 “You said you want to pass your test. What’s getting in the way of studying right now?”
🗣 “Want me to help make a study plan with rewards or do you want to create your own?”
🗣 “You’re in charge of how this goes—I’m here to support you when you’re ready.”
📝 Use: Shared digital calendars, reward menus, self-created schedules
💬 Universal Prompts for All Ages
✅ “What do you think would help?”
✅ “How do you want this to go?”
✅ “What’s one thing we can try differently tomorrow?”
✅ “Would you like me to stay close or give you space?”
✅ “Sh
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