Supporting Anxious Children

Parenting Anxious Kids

Expert Tips from a Child Psychiatrist

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Building Resilience Through Bedtime Stories

anxiety books childhood worry resilience Jul 22, 2024

Growing up, I often heard stories about my parents’ journey as immigrants. They faced countless hardships, from language barriers to financial struggles, yet they never gave up. Their unwavering determination and resilience were driven by a single goal: to provide a better future for their children. Even when the chips were down, they persevered, teaching me the invaluable lesson that resilience and perseverance can lead to success. Inspired by their journey, I strive to instill these same values in my own children. One delightful and effective method is through bedtime stories. Here are some wonderful books that can teach children about resilience while making bedtime a cherished ritual.

1. “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires

This charming picture book tells the story of a girl who sets out to create the most magnificent thing but faces numerous challenges along the way. It teaches children about perseverance and the importance of not giving...

Understanding and Supporting Anxious, Sensitive, and Perfectionist Children

adler anxiety perfectionism Jul 21, 2024

Check this out:

Imagine a 10 year old lad, Evan. Evan had spent the entire day working on a wooden box, carefully etching an intricate dragon onto the lid. His mother, seeing the finished product, was amazed. “Evan, this is incredible! I didn’t know you could do that!” she exclaimed with genuine admiration.

To her surprise, Evan scowled and shouted, “Shut up! It’s rubbish! I hate you!” He then threw the box across the room, where it shattered against the wall.

Insight:

Evan’s reaction illustrates a common trait among perfectionist children: an inability to accept praise and a harsh self-criticism. These children often equate their self-worth with their accomplishments, and any perceived imperfection can trigger intense frustration. Some children may even avoid completing tasks or trying new things to evade potential failure.

No amount of praise will give Evan encouragement. He must be perfect. Praise only adds to his belief that...

Top Parenting Books for Montessori Parents with Anxious Sensitive Kids

anxiety books montessori parenting Jul 20, 2024

As we journey through the world of parenting, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted territories. One such territory is understanding and supporting our anxious children. Anxiety can manifest in many ways and each child experiences it differently. It’s our role as parents to provide a safe, understanding, and nurturing environment for our children to thrive.

In this blog post, we will explore some valuable resources that can guide us in this journey. These books offer a wealth of knowledge from experts in child development, education, and psychology. They provide practical strategies, insights, and a deeper understanding of how to support our anxious children.

From the Montessori approach to positive discipline, these books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to our experiences as parents. Whether you’re new to parenting or have years of experience, these resources can provide fresh perspectives and effective strategies to help you support your...

Mini Eco-Warriors: Navigating Queries & Saving Planets

anxiety childhood worry night time worry parenting Jul 17, 2024

Ah, the joys of parenthood!

There you are, blissfully dreaming, when suddenly, you’re jolted awake by a little voice asking about the fate of the planet.

Lynsey G posed a great question: What do you say to kiddos with anxiety over concerns about the environment or similar global-scale problems, at 2 in the morning?

Here’s one approach you could test to handle those midnight queries with empathy, brevity, and a gentle nudge back to bed.

First, let’s validate those feelings. Even in your half-asleep state, it’s important to let your child know that it’s okay to be worried. “I can see you’re really concerned about the environment. It’s okay to feel that way. It shows you care a lot.”

At 2 AM, simplicity is key. You want to soothe and comfort without diving into a full-blown discussion. “There are many people working hard to take care of the Earth. Scientists, activists, and even kids like you are making a difference...

Supporting Anxious Neuroatypical Kids at School

anxiety autism neuroatypical school Jun 15, 2024

Imagine a student who is the epitome of decorum and respect in school, but at home, they transform into a whirlwind of emotions. This scenario is not uncommon for neurodiverse children who often remain unnoticed in educational environments. They are like hidden icebergs, their struggles concealed beneath the surface, invisible to those unfamiliar with their circumstances.

These children often employ a strategy known as ‘masking’, where they exert significant mental energy to conceal their difficulties. Sometimes it’s a conscious effort; other times, it’s an instinctive defense mechanism. Their objective? To blend in, to appear ‘normal’, to avoid being singled out.

Unfortunately, neurodiverse children are more susceptible to mental health issues. So, how can we support them? Let’s delve into some strategies.

Building Bridges of Empathy

The first step is fostering open communication between parents and educators....

Fighting anxiety one step at a time: Graded Hierachies for Parents

anxiety connection mental health parenting Jun 06, 2024

As parents, our role in our children’s lives is multifaceted, but perhaps the most crucial aspect is the bond we share with them. This connection is the foundation upon which we can build resilience against anxiety. Today, we’re sharing the Graded Hierarchy Method, a step-by-step approach that is supercharged by the strength of your relationship with your child.

The Cornerstone of Trust:

Before diving into the method, it’s essential to understand that trust and security are the currency of any relationship, especially with your anxious child. Like money in the bank, these elements of connection ensure that you have the emotional credit to support your child through the costly process of fighting anxiety. Without a strong bond, you risk overdrafting on this account, leading to potential damage or conflict within your relationship.

Understanding Anxiety Triggers:

Identifying what sparks your child’s anxiety is the first step. Here are...

How concerned should I be about my children's mental health?

anxiety mental health parenting Jun 02, 2024

The Indispensable Role of Parents in Addressing Children’s Mental Health

Parents are not just caregivers; they are the pillars of support and the first line of defense in their children’s mental health. Their role is pivotal and multifaceted, and here’s why:

Early Intervention: Parents, being the closest to their children, are often the first to notice any changes in their child’s behavior or mood. They can detect and address mental health issues at an early stage, leading to more effective treatment. This early intervention can prevent conditions from escalating, making parents a crucial part of the solution.
Mitigating Long-term Impact: Childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual’s future. Mental health problems during childhood can lead to challenges in adulthood, including difficulties with relationships, education, and employment. By being vigilant about their children’s mental health, parents can help them...

School Avoidance and Anxiety: A Collaborative Approach

anxiety school refusal May 15, 2024

School avoidance and anxiety are intricate challenges that necessitate a collective approach, uniting the child, family, school, and mental health professionals. In my experience, triumph is rarely accomplished without this joint effort.

The Emotional Toll of School Avoidance

School avoidance is an emotionally laden issue that can inflict significant distress on all parties involved. Parents often vacillate between feelings of confusion and frustration. One day everything appears fine, the next it’s in chaos. We might find ourselves exclaiming, ‘We’ve been through this!’, ‘You went yesterday’, ‘What’s the problem now?’ (expressing frustration rather than seeking the problem), ‘I need to get to work’, ‘Stop playing around. You are being selfish’, ‘This is unacceptable’, ‘If you don’t get in the car, I’m going to have to drag you kicking and screaming’. The guilt...

Unraveling the Knots of Childhood Anxiety: A Guide for Parents

anxiety parenting May 05, 2024

Hello there, fellow parents, caregivers, and accidental web surfers who’ve stumbled upon this blog. I’m your friendly neighborhood psychiatrist, armed with a cup of lukewarm coffee and a keyboard that’s seen better days. Today, we’re going to delve into the world of childhood anxiety. Now, don’t panic! We’re in this together.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety in children is a bit like a monster under the bed. It’s often invisible, but it can cause a whole lot of chaos. It’s a normal part of growing up, but when it starts interfering with day-to-day life, it becomes a disorder.

Children with anxiety disorders often have emotional outbursts, show a lot of avoidance, and might try to escape or hide. They may also experience physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or sleep issues.

What Causes Anxiety in Children?

The main cause of childhood anxiety is as elusive as my coffee mug on a...