Parents of the Year

Have you ever considered how storytelling—whether through writing, conversations, or reflection—can help kids (and adults) process emotions, strengthen relationships, and even reframe painful experiences?

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with author Kennerly Clay to explore the hidden power of writing and storytelling in emotional regulation.

They discuss:
✔️ How journaling and letter writing can help kids and parents communicate emotions
✔️ Why revisiting past experiences can lead to healing and resilience
✔️ How to introduce storytelling as a creative tool within your family

Tune in to learn strategies to make storytelling a powerful emotional tool.

Homework Ideas

✅ Activity 1: Start a Parent-Child Journal

• Find a notebook and establish a routine where your child can write (or draw) their thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
• Let them pass it to you when they want you to respond.
• Goal: Build a safe space for kids to share emotions they may not verbalize.

✅ Activity 2: Reflect on Your Own Childhood

• Write about an experience from your childhood that shaped you.
• Then, try to see it from a different perspective—what would your parent’s version of that story be?
• Goal: Gain a deeper understanding of how childhood memories evolve and how they influence your parenting.

✅ Activity 3: Use Storytelling to Teach Emotional Processing

• Pick a recent situation where your child was upset.
• Help them retell the event by asking, "What happened first? What were you feeling? What did you learn?"
• Goal: Teach kids that every experience—good or bad—is part of their growing story.

📌 Recommended Resource:
📚 Emotion Wheel Printout – Helps kids put words to feelings. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/

About Kenerly

Kennerly Clay is an accomplished author, senior content strategist, and thought leader specializing in storytelling that resonates. Her memoir, _Letters from East of Nowhere: Daddy’s Words to Live, Drink & Die By_, captures the complexities of familial relationships, addiction, and forgiveness through the lens of personal letters from her father. Winner of the "First Place in Addiction & Recovery Category" award, Kennerly’s work is celebrated for its raw honesty and cathartic exploration of difficult subjects.

Get in touch

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennerlyclay/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lettersfromeastofnowhere/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lettersfromeastofnowhere

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