In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, we've got a listener's question about handling backsliding in anxious children. I emphasize that backsliding is a natural part of managing anxiety, particularly during times of increased stress, such as the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. I explain that children with anxious brains are more prone to see negativity and potential disaster, and learning to manage anxiety is an ongoing process. I discuss various scenarios that may trigger backsliding and advise parents to reframe it as an opportunity to reinforce coping skills rather than viewing it as a regression. I also highlight the importance of supporting children through these periods and being kind to both the child and oneself. I encourage listeners to consider the context of their child's backsliding and offers guidance on how to navigate these challenging times.

00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:29 Understanding Backsliding in Anxious Children

04:46 Reframing Backsliding as Progress

05:28 Common Triggers for Backsliding

06:56 Managing Expectations and Support

08:45 Handling Stressful Situations and Behaviors

10:32 Consistency and Flexibility in Parenting

12:28 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, an expert with over 30 years of experience in working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the question, 'How can I help my anxious child build distressed tolerance skills?' She explains the concept of distress tolerance skills, emphasizing their importance in coping with anxiety. Using relatable examples, Dawn provides practical strategies for parents to help their children tolerate anxiety and distress. She underscores the importance of acknowledging small successes and gradually building these skills, highlighting that growth in managing distress is a gradual process. Dawn also discusses the challenges parents face, including their own distress, and offers understanding and support for both children and parents on this journey. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and explore additional resources available on the Open Book Parenting website.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:40 Understanding Distress Tolerance Skills

02:35 Practical Examples of Distress Tolerance

06:39 Building Distress Tolerance in Children

13:41 Managing Parental Irritability

14:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Taking a Summer Break and Future Plans

Hi everyone and welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast. My name is Dawn Friedman, and I've spent over three decades working with children and families in various roles. In this episode, instead of answering questions, I explain why I'm taking a break for the summer and discuss my future plans. I'll be busy with increased speaking engagements and working on a book proposal titled 'Tell Me It Will Be Okay,' focusing on supporting anxious children. On a personal note, my daughter is moving back home to start college, and we'll be navigating the challenges of living together again. For continued learning, I recommend subscribing to my newsletter right here: https://openbookparenting.kit.com/497c86cec7

I'll be back with the podcast in September, and I hope you have a great summer!

00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast

00:35 Why I'm Taking a Summer Break

00:58 Summer Plans and Speaking Engagements

01:56 Book Proposal: Tell Me It Will Be Okay

03:28 Personal Update: My Daughter's Move

05:15 Navigating Parenting Pitfalls

14:48 Returning in September: Stay Connected

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, a seasoned expert in child and family support with over 30 years of experience. In this episode, Dawn addresses a common concern from parents: what to do when their anxious child is upset, especially when the goal is not to make them feel better immediately. Dawn explains the importance of helping children face their fears gradually through exposure plans, and highlights the value of teaching children to tolerate discomfort. The episode offers practical strategies, such as modeling calm behavior and validating the child's feelings without agreeing with their fears, to help children develop skills to manage anxiety. Dawn emphasizes the role of parents in supporting and guiding their children through anxiety-provoking situations, making it clear that holding space for their child's learning and growth is crucial. Listeners are invited to submit their questions for future episodes through Dawn's website, OpenBookParenting.com.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:30 Understanding Your Role in Managing Child Anxiety

00:47 Creating an Exposure Plan

01:44 Practical Examples of Exposure Techniques

04:54 Validating Your Child's Feelings

06:00 Teaching Anxiety Management Skills

08:32 Role Modeling and Supporting Your Child

11:05 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

In this episode, Dawn Friedman, an experienced child anxiety expert, answers a listener's question about how to involve siblings in the management of a child's anxiety. Dawn discusses the impact of family dynamics on siblings, the importance of recognizing and addressing parenting pitfalls, and strategies to ensure that non-anxious siblings receive the attention and support they need. She emphasizes the significance of understanding each child's unique needs and offers practical advice such as taking her Parenting Pitfalls Quiz to gain insights into family patterns. The episode highlights the balance between supporting an anxious child and maintaining a healthy environment for all siblings.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:32 Understanding Sibling Involvement in Anxiety

01:50 Identifying Family Patterns and Pitfalls

03:44 Addressing Guilt and Insight

04:21 Practical Steps to Support Siblings

06:14 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

06:53 Case Study: Joan's Family

09:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

10:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we address a common concern among families—distinguishing between a child's anxiety and personal preferences. We explore how to identify if a child's behavior is driven by anxiety or simply a lack of interest in certain activities. Tune in to gain insights on this important topic and learn strategies to better understand your child's needs. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to my podcast for more valuable content!

Takeaways:

• Understanding the distinction between a child's anxiety and their preferences is crucial.
• Avoidance behaviors in children may indicate anxiety, requiring careful observation and support.
• Encouraging children to experiment with their fears can help differentiate anxiety from preference.
• Social anxiety often overlaps with introversion, necessitating nuanced approaches for understanding children's behaviors.
• Parents should consider their child's interests and motivations when addressing anxiety-related issues.
• Regular engagement in anxiety-provoking situations can enhance a child's coping skills and resilience.

Links referenced in this episode:

• childanxietysupport.com/podcast

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about the use of reward charts for anxious children. Dawn shares her extensive experience working with families and discusses the complexities of using rewards and charts. She explains her flexible stance on rewards, noting the potential pitfalls, such as children focusing on rewards rather than the process. Dawn also highlights the importance of celebrating family efforts and accomplishments holistically. For more insights and to post your own questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:29 Thoughts on Reward Charts for Anxious Children

02:09 The Problem with Rewards

03:21 Effective Use of Charts and Celebrations

04:25 Implementing a Family Plan

06:56 Focusing on Family Behavior

10:06 Conclusion and Support

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!

My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions!

RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about why a child's progress in therapy can seem to wear off over time. Dawn explains that anxiety in children is often reinforced by family patterns, termed 'Parenting Pitfalls', which unknowingly support avoidance behaviors. She discusses the importance of continuous practice and parental involvement in managing anxiety and reinforces that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process. Listeners are encouraged to revisit therapy if needed and to apply the skills learned consistently across different contexts and developmental stages. For submitting questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast.

00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast

00:28 Listener Question: Why Did Therapy Stop Working?

01:21 The Role of Parents in Managing Child Anxiety

01:40 Understanding Anxiety Patterns and Accommodations

04:29 Therapy Success and the Need for Continuous Effort

07:25 Practical Tips for Parents to Support Anxious Children

10:46 Conclusion and How to Submit Your Questions

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!

My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions!

RESILIENCY SPRINT