Ever feel trapped in an emotional tornado? When intense feelings take over, our ability to think clearly, make good decisions, and connect with others disappears. The good news? There's a way out.
Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher, reveals how emotional regulation forms the foundation of resilience. He explains the fascinating brain science behind our emotional responses, distinguishing between our reactive "downstairs brain" and our reflective "upstairs brain." When we learn to pause between stimulus and response, we create space for choice – and that's where our growth happens.
One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is dismantling the myth of "bad" emotions. Anger, anxiety, sadness – these aren't enemies to be eliminated but signals carrying important information. The challenge isn't having these emotions but learning to regulate their intensity and expression. As Dr. Montminy shares, "We may not like how some emotions feel, but they serve a purpose."
Practical tools abound in this episode, from the simple yet transformative practice of "naming it to tame it" to using a "feeling thermometer" to gauge emotional intensity. You'll learn specific breathing techniques, muscle relaxation exercises, and strategies for helping children identify and manage their emotional experiences. Jana Marie Foundation also shares creative outlets that help young people process feelings in healthy ways.
Whether you're a parent wanting to raise emotionally intelligent children, an educator creating a supportive classroom environment, or someone seeking better ways to handle your own emotional responses, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance for building this essential life skill. Remember: emotional regulation isn't about perfection – it's about practice. Small steps create powerful ripples of change. Listen now and discover how to step outside the emotional tornado.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.

Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.

A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.

Music created by Ken Baxter.

(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.