Emotions With Ease

Jami Glenn

Tools That Help Parents And Kids Move Through Big Behaviors And Emotions With Ease So They Can Feel Calm, Confident And Connected.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 29: After-School Meltdowns - How to Help Kids Regulate From Pickup to Dinner time

    If 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 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 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) 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 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): Playground time Ball play (catch, soccer, basketball) Bikes, scooters, chalk, barefoot time Inside: 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 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.

    42 min
  2. Episode 28: Why Logic Doesn't Work During Meltdowns (and what to do instead)

    JAN 27

    Episode 28: Why Logic Doesn't Work During Meltdowns (and what to do instead)

    If you've ever tried to explain your way out of a meltdown and watched it get worse… this episode is for you. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn explains why logic doesn't land during meltdowns, what's actually happening in your child's brain and body, and how to bring calm back online using one simple tool, one tip, and one script you can use right away. 👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series. ⏱ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome + what this episode covers 2:30 – Why explaining makes meltdowns worse 5:45 – What's happening in the brain during a meltdown 9:20 – Why logic can't land when Wise Owl is offline 12:30 – The "Soothe First, Talk Later" tool 16:30 – Fewer words, more calm (the biggest shift for parents) 20:45 – Scripts to use during meltdowns 25:10 – Common mistakes (no shame) 27:30 – Encouragement + next steps 🧠 What You'll Learn Why meltdowns are body-first, not behavior-first What happens when the Watchdog brain takes over Why logic and lectures don't work during dysregulation How calm opens the door for learning What to say instead of explaining or arguing 🧰 One Tool: Soothe First, Talk Later When emotions are high: Soothe the body (breathe, soften, lower your voice) Connect ("I'm right here.") Talk later — once calm returns You can't teach a skill to a brain in survival mode. 💡 One Tip to Remember Shorten your words. Lengthen your presence. If your child is losing it: Talk less Stay close Let your calm do the work Your regulated body becomes the calm their brain borrows. 🗣 One Script to Try "We'll talk when your Wise Owl is back. I'm here." Other options: "Let's help your body first." "Your brain needs a break to get calm." 💛 Encouragement Your child isn't giving you a hard time — their brain is having a hard time. Regulation isn't permissive. It's what makes learning possible. Calm first. Teaching later. 🎧 Want Support? If you want help applying this in your 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. 💛

    22 min
  3. Episode 27: The Wise Owl Brain and Your Child: Tools for Calmer Days and Fewer Power Struggles

    JAN 20

    Episode 27: The Wise Owl Brain and Your Child: Tools for Calmer Days and Fewer Power Struggles

    If your child seems more regulated everywhere except at home, this episode is for you. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn explains what the Wise Owl Brain is, why it goes offline so easily, and how to support it in everyday parenting moments—without lectures or power struggles. 👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series. ⏱ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome + why this topic matters 2:15 – Why kids fall apart at home 5:40 – What the Wise Owl Brain is 9:30 – Why logic doesn't work during meltdowns 12:10 – The Wise Owl Check (parent tool) 16:45 – Building Wise Owl skills before hard moments 20:30 – Scripts to use at home 25:10 – Common mistakes (no shame) 27:40 – This week's practice + encouragement 🧠 What You'll Learn What the Wise Owl Brain (prefrontal cortex) actually does Why kids "lose it" where they feel safest One simple check to prevent escalation What to say when emotions are high Why regulation comes before teaching 🎯 One Thing to Try This Week Choose one hard moment (mornings, bedtime, homework). Practice the Wise Owl Check for yourself before responding. Small pauses lead to big shifts. 💛 Want Support? If you'd like help applying this at 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. I'm rooting for you.

    23 min
  4. Episode 24: A Simple Family Gratitude Practice That Actually Works (And Why We're Bringing It Back in 2026)

    12/29/2025

    Episode 24: A Simple Family Gratitude Practice That Actually Works (And Why We're Bringing It Back in 2026)

    As the new year approaches, many families start asking the same questions: What do we want more of? What do we want less of? And how do we actually make that happen without adding one more thing to our already-full plates? In today's short and practical episode, Jami shares one simple gratitude practice her family is intentionally adding back into their emotional wellness toolbox in 2026—and why this version of gratitude actually works. (And no, this is not the "be thankful and stop crying" kind of gratitude. We don't do emotional bypassing around here.) You'll hear how to build gratitude into your existing family rhythms, why it helps calm the nervous system, and how it supports emotional regulation, connection, and healthier brain patterns—for kids and parents. Resources Mentioned: Gratitude Journal for Kids ⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Highlights 0:09 – Why this conversation matters right now Looking ahead to the new year: what to add, what to take away, and why small rhythms matter more than big resolutions. 2:15 – The gratitude myth (and what gratitude is not) Why gratitude sometimes gets a bad rap—and how "just focus on the good" can actually backfire. 4:05 – The family gratitude practice we used (and loved) A simple, three-minute journaling rhythm plugged into bedtime—no pressure, no forcing, no homework vibes. 7:10 – Why modeling matters more than making it mandatory How this practice was "caught, not taught," and why that made all the difference. 10:45 – What happened when life got hard Why the practice fell away during a tough season—and why we're intentionally bringing it back. 13:30 – The science behind gratitude (the parts that actually matter) How gratitude: calms the nervous system lowers stress hormones increases emotional regulation interrupts negativity bias 18:40 – Gratitude and emotional language How this practice builds emotional awareness, vocabulary, and quicker regulation in hard moments. 22:15 – Teaching kids "both/and" thinking Why gratitude helps kids hold mixed emotions without black-and-white thinking. 25:40 – Gratitude strengthens connection How shared gratitude increases bonding, safety, and predictable moments of connection. 28:00 – The two questions every family can ask for the new year You don't need a full planning system—just one clear question and one doable rhythm. 🧠 Key Takeaways Gratitude is a skill, not a personality trait You don't need more time—just a better rhythm Gratitude works best when it's optional, modeled, and low-pressure It helps calm the nervous system without dismissing hard emotions Small, consistent practices create long-term emotional resilience 🌱 A Simple Question to Try This Week Ask yourself (or your family): What do we want more of in 2026? What's one small rhythm that could support that? And on the flip side: What do we want less of? What needs to come off the calendar—or out of our language—to make space? 💛 Want More Support Like This? If conversations like this resonate with you, you'll love the Same Page Parenting Workshop—where we help families get aligned, clear, and calm using practical tools and shared language. 👉 Stay tuned for the next workshop date 👉 Or email me at jami@sacredgroundcoaching.com and tell me: what you're adding to your year or what you're ready to let go of I'd love to hear from you.

    16 min
  5. Episode 23: Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids (When You're Stuck Inside)

    12/22/2025

    Episode 23: Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids (When You're Stuck Inside)

    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 Name something you see starting with A, then B, then C… Helps shift the brain out of anxiety and back into the present moment 👀 Mindful Minute (5-4-3-2-1) 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) Hand on heart or belly Slow breaths from the diaphragm Co-regulation calms the amygdala (aka the Watchdog brain) 🎶 Dance Breaks Crank up Siri Choose one song per person Big movement helps release emotional energy fast 🛋️ Creative Movement Indoors Pillows on the floor "The Floor Is Lava" Jumping, balancing, laughing = regulation 🌱 Key Takeaways for Parents Emotional regulation doesn't stop during winter — it just needs creativity 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 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: Share it with another parent navigating Christmas break Save it for the next rainy or freezing day 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. 🎄💛

    9 min
  6. Episode 22 Spiritual Formation for Families (Without the Guilt): Helping Kids Grow in Faith During the Christmas Chaos

    12/15/2025

    Episode 22 Spiritual Formation for Families (Without the Guilt): Helping Kids Grow in Faith During the Christmas Chaos

    Christmas is supposed to be meaningful… But sometimes it just feels loud, fast, and one school party away from tears (yours or theirs). In this episode of Emotions with Ease, I'm joined by my dear friend, mentor, and spiritual formation expert Jennifer Freeman to talk about what spiritual formation for families actually looks like in real life—beyond church attendance, Bible reading plans, or adding one more thing to your plate. We talk about integration over perfection, how emotional wellness and faith overlap, and simple, practical ways to help kids experience God as safe, present, and trustworthy—even in seasons of anxiety, grief, and overwhelm. If you've ever wondered: Am I doing enough spiritually for my kids? Why doesn't "just pray about it" seem to help my anxious child? How do I model faith when I feel spiritually dry myself? You're in the right place. Pull up a chair. 💛 Meet My Guest: Jennifer Freeman Jennifer Freeman is a spiritual mentor, speaker, and longtime leader in Christian formation. She served for 25 years as Director of Christian Formation at College of the Ozarks and is the creator of Rooted Families, a beautifully practical resource designed to help children and caregivers grow together in faith from infancy through college. She brings wisdom, calm, and a whole lot of grace to this conversation—and yes, she once tried to teach me how to cook (we'll just say… eggs were involved 🥚). Timestamps & Highlights 00:02 – Why Christmas feels meaningful and overwhelming 05:19 – What spiritual formation really is (hint: it's shaping, not cramming information) 08:38 – Why faith works best when it's integrated into daily life 12:10 – "You can't give your kids what you don't have yourself" 15:33 – Using nature, bedtime, and daily rhythms to point kids back to God 19:38 – Advent, waiting, and helping kids learn patience without lectures 25:22 – Emotional wellness + faith: why big feelings belong with God 31:55 – Bible journaling, art, and body-based ways kids can experience faith 33:27 – When "just pray and memorize a verse" isn't enough 47:37 – For parents who feel spiritually dry: start with silence (just 3 minutes) 55:40 – Jennifer's go-to anxiety regulation tool (body + belief together) 58:00 – How to access Rooted Families resources (they're free!) Key Takeaways for Parents Spiritual formation isn't an add-on. It's meant to be woven into everyday life. Kids are shaped more by what they love than what they're told to believe. Faith needs to be strong and flexible enough to hold questions, doubt, and change. Emotional wellness and spiritual formation are deeply connected. When kids struggle with anxiety or worry, giving them only prayer and memorization can unintentionally create shame. God is not a vending machine—and kids need help understanding His character, not just His rules. Silence (even a few minutes) is one of the most powerful spiritual practices we overlook. Practical Tools You Can Try This Week ✔ Name emotions + bring them to God (nothing is off-limits in prayer) ✔ Use concrete images kids understand: light, bread, nature, waiting ✔ Invite faith conversations with questions, not lectures ✔ Try body-based tools: drawing, painting, movement, sorting objects ✔ Practice micro-silence: in the car, shower, before bed, or while sipping coffee ✔ At bedtime, thank God out loud for your kids—it builds safety and trust Resources Mentioned Rooted Families: rootedfamilies.cfo.edu Jennifer Freeman: jenniferfreeman.co The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer The Book of Belonging (family devotional) The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors by Robyn Gobbel If this episode gave you a deep breath, a new perspective, or even just permission to stop striving—share it with a friend who needs the same reminder. ✨ And if you're craving more practical tools AND my favorite parenting book list, be sure to snag it HERE.  You don't need to do this perfectly. You just need roots deep enough to grow. 🌱

    59 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

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Tools That Help Parents And Kids Move Through Big Behaviors And Emotions With Ease So They Can Feel Calm, Confident And Connected.