How do I help my anxious child deal with worries about real life events?

In this episode we're discussing how to talk about real-life worries, the big worries that maybe are already keeping you up at note, too, like climate crisis, economic uncertainty, or natural disasters. It's hard to be a regular old adult when we're facing these kinds of anxieties let alone being a growing kid or teen who's just trying to get a handle on how the world works! I look forward to your feedback on the topic and hope you'll come by my site at ChildAnxietySupport.com or message me on social media where I'm @dawnfriedmanmsed to let me know your thoughts and challenges on the topic. 

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How can I determine if my own anxiety is influencing my parenting of my anxious child?

(Sorry about the audio quality -- I'm having some issues with my editing software!) 

Welcome to The Child Anxiety FAQ podcast! 

Today's episode answers the question: "How can I determine if my own anxiety is influencing my parenting of my anxious child?" We'll talk about the ways in which parental anxiety can impact child anxiety, what the research has to say about it and discuss strategies for breaking the cycle.

If you find our conversations helpful, I invite you to subscribe to The Child Anxiety FAQ podcast and leave a rating or review. Your feedback not only helps the podcast grow but also helps the information get in front of the families who need it. You can visit childanxietiesupport.com/podcast to submit your questions, or connect with me on social media where I'm @DawnFriedmanMSEd.

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How do I set limits for my anxious child without feeling guilty?

In today's episode, we're diving into the  topic of setting limits for your anxious child without succumbing to guilt. We talk about the complexities parents face, particularly those who are working to heal their own childhood wounds while supporting their children. We'll address why feelings of guilt are a natural part of parenting and how understanding anxiety can help in making informed, beneficial decisions for our children.  If you're ready to unpack the mess of emotions and strategies around parenting an anxious child, stay tuned!

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What are some practical steps I can take to encourage my child to tolerate their anxiety?

In today's episode of The Child Anxiety FAQ, host Dawn Friedman MSEd addresses a crucial question from our listeners: What are some practical steps I can take to encourage my child to tolerate their anxiety? With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, I offer general strategies that can be adapted to different age groups and situations. The goal is not to eliminate anxiety, but to help children understand and tolerate it. I emphasize education about the normalcy of anxiety, externalizing it by giving it a name or character, and developing strategies to engage with it. Join me as we talk about effective techniques to support our children in managing their anxious feelings, fostering resilience, and embracing new experiences with a sense of adventure. If you have questions or concerns about your child's anxiety, visit my website at childanxietysupport.com to learn more and while you're there, check out the Parenting Pitfalls quiz!

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How do I deal with my anger towards my anxious child?

Welcome back to another episode of The Child Anxiety FAQ, where your questions about child and teen anxiety are answered. I'm your host, Dawn Friedman, and today we're diving into a challenging but common issue many parents face: dealing with anger towards their anxious children. With over three decades of experience working with families, I'm here to help you understand the roots of this anger, often linked to catching your child's anxiety, and offer strategies to manage it. Join me as we explore how to create space for yourself, recognize anxiety's role in these emotions, and foster forgiveness and understanding in your relationship with your child.

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How can I support my anxious child while also addressing their behavior?

In today's episode, we tackle a common but complex question: "How can I support my anxious child while also addressing their inappropriate behavior?" Using a real-life example of a parent dealing with their 10-year-old's morning meltdowns before school, I explore some of the root causes of school refusal, the importance of ensuring a supportive environment, and strategies for managing anxiety and inappropriate behavior. From assessing whether the issue could be due to a poor school fit, separation anxiety, or lack of sleep, to planning and setting boundaries, I offer comprehensive advice on creating a balanced approach that supports both the child's emotional needs and your behavioral expectations. 

Also here's a link to the podcast I mention about manipulation:

Episode 95: How do I know if my anxious child is just being manipulative?

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Should I let my anxious child have a phone?

Hey, everyone. Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ podcast, where we tackle your pressing questions about child and teen anxiety. I'm Dawn Friedman, your host, with over 30 years of experience working with kids and families. In this week's episode, we'll confront a dilemma many parents face: should you let your anxious child have a phone? This question isn't straightforward, especially when considering the myriad complications of digital life, such as social media, online games, and the addictive nature of screens. I'll guide you through the difference between restriction and caution, provide insights into how to navigate these choices, and share strategies for fostering healthy digital habits. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's dive into this critical conversation about kids, screens, and anxiety.

Also! Mentions in the podcast!

https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org (Ellyn Satter, creator of The Division of Responsibility around feeding)

http://ChildrenandScreens.org (a great resource with free webinars and a super useful newsletter)

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