AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety

One of the hardest parts of raising a child with OCD is figuring out who you’re actually talking to. Is it your child… or is it their OCD pulling you into another loop?

In this episode, we talk about the different ways OCD ropes parents in—whether it’s endless reassurance seeking, constant confessing, permission checking, “just right” demands, or those sneaky checking questions like, “Do I look sick?” or “Is this bad?”

I’ll walk you through how to spot when OCD is taking over the conversation: the circular back-and-forth that goes nowhere, the distress when you don’t answer the “right” way, or the need for more and more clarity tied to their specific OCD themes.

Then we shift into what you can do. We’ll cover how to talk to your child about these patterns ahead of time, how to team up on a plan for responding, and how to use exposures and tools (like reassurance cards) to stop feeding the OCD loop.

And finally, an important reminder: not talking to OCD does not mean ignoring your child. You can still validate, support, connect, and check in, just without fueling compulsions. Pulling yourself out of OCD’s conversations is often one of the first big steps toward real progress.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

PDF handout for this episode: www.natashadaniels.com/handouts

Join my free series: How to Be an Effective Anchor for Your Child’s Anxiety or OCD — www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com

Youtube video: Reassurance can Be a Compulsion

Youtube video: Confessions Can be a Compulsion 

Podcast: How to Use Reassurance Cards 

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This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore why trust is the foundation for helping a child with OCD. When trust is missing, kids shut down, hide their struggles, and resist therapeutic strategies. I share simple, practical ways to build (and rebuild) trust — from validating their experience, to going at their pace, to connecting with who they are beyond OCD. Even small shifts can strengthen your relationship and make real progress possible.

⚓️ If you want in-depth support in how to be an effective anchor for your child’s anxiety and OCD register for free at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holidays can be magical — but for kids with OCD and anxiety, they can also be overwhelming. In this episode, Natasha helps parents prepare for the unique challenges that come with travel, family gatherings, disrupted routines, and sensory overload. 

You’ll learn how to anticipate triggers before they happen, create a holiday coping map with your child, set boundaries with relatives, and protect your child’s regulation during busy days.

Whether you’re traveling across the country or just hosting at home, this episode gives you simple tools to make the holidays more manageable—and even enjoyable—for your child.

You’ll walk away feeling prepared, supported, and confident going into the holiday season.

Get the PDF template on how to write a text or email to your family about your child’s anxiety and OCD struggles at www.natashadaniels.com/handout

⚓️ If you want in-depth support in how to be an effective anchor for your child’s anxiety and OCD register for free at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child’s OCD gets loud, it’s so easy to get swept into the panic, the questions, the intensity.

But the calmer and more grounded you stay, the faster they can settle.

In today’s episode I’m breaking down how to stay present when everything in you wants to react — and why this one skill changes the tone of your entire home.

If you want deeper support in staying steady during your child’s anxiety or OCD storms, my new series will walk you through it step-by-step.

Register for free at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the professionals you trust to help your child’s OCD, actually make things worse?

Too many parents of kids with OCD are told to “reassure them,” “avoid the triggers,” or “help them relax.” Even well-meaning therapists often miss the mark — treating OCD like general anxiety or skipping ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) altogether.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why OCD is so often misunderstood in therapy, how to tell if your child’s therapist truly understands OCD, and the red flags that signal it’s time to look elsewhere. You’ll learn what evidence-based treatment should look like — and how to advocate for the help your child really needs.

Want a PDF handout with sample questions to ask a therapist and red flags to look out for? Go to Natashadaniels.com/handouts and click on episode 447.

Link mentioned in podcast:

Psypact list 

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When OCD symptoms fade, it’s natural to feel relief — maybe even believe it’s finally gone. But sometimes, that relief can make us miss the signs of OCD returning in new and surprising ways.

In this episode, I’ll talk about why parents often overlook new OCD themes and what we can do differently. We’ll explore how tunnel vision, limited communication, and lack of education about OCD’s many disguises can cause us to miss the early signs of a relapse. You’ll learn how to celebrate progress without letting your guard down — shifting from a “cured” mindset to one of ongoing recovery. We’ll also cover how to stay educated, keep open communication with your child, and recognize when new behaviors may actually be OCD in disguise. Because when we know what to look for, we can catch OCD before it takes the wheel again.

Resources mentioned in podcast:

Uma Chatterjee website

AT Parenting Community

Video: OCD is Like an Octopus

My YouTube channel

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As parents, we want to rescue our kids from anxiety and OCD—but the truth is, some things are not within our control. And when we spend our energy trying to fix what isn’t ours to fix, we burn out, lose connection with our child, and unintentionally strengthen OCD. In this episode, I break down the critical difference between what is your role and what isn’t, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start creating meaningful progress for your child.

You’ll Learn What You Can’t Do (No Matter How Hard You Try):

• You can’t force your child to stop compulsions that don’t involve you
• You can’t create motivation or force insight
• You can’t speed up their progress or prevent new OCD themes from emerging
• You can’t make them share every intrusive thought

Trying to control these things only leads to power struggles and frustration—for you and your child.

Then We Shift to What You Can Do (and Where True Power Lies):

• Educate yourself and recognize new OCD patterns early
• Understand co-occurring struggles that impact progress
• Identify how you may be unintentionally feeding OCD
• Learn how to systematically pull back from accommodations
• Set healthy boundaries so OCD doesn’t run your home
• Incentivize your child to do the work instead of doing it for them
• Determine where your child is in their journey—trust, skills, or treatment—and start there

You do have influence. You do have a role. And when you lean into the things you can control, that’s when your child’s growth begins.

👉 Want hands-on guidance through this process? Join the AT Parenting Community, where I support parents step-by-step in building a therapeutic home environment and empowering their kids to take their life back from OCD. Doors close on Thursday, Nov 20th, 2025.

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you trying everything to help your child’s OCD… yet nothing seems to stick?

You’re not alone—and it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 7 most common mistakes parents make when trying to help OCD, and more importantly, what to do instead. These mistakes are incredibly common, even among well-meaning therapists, and understanding them is the first step to real progress.

We’ll talk about:

• Why logic and reassurance often make OCD stronger
• How accommodations quietly feed OCD’s power
• Why ERP isn’t just “facing fears”
• And the role parents must play in their child’s OCD journey

If your child has OCD, this episode will help you stop spinning your wheels and start using tools that actually work.

🧡 Want step-by-step guidance on how to help your child at home?

Register for my FREE video series Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with anxiety or OCD at atparentingsurvivalseries.com.

🧡 For this episode’s handout go to www.natashadaniels.com/handouts

Take my SPACE Study course at www.natashadaniels.com/space and learn about the AT Parenting Community at www.atparentingcommunity.com 

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child struggles with OCD, it’s natural to want to ease their distress, but those well-meaning “helping” moments can actually feed OCD’s control. In this episode, Natasha breaks down how to pull back accommodations safely and effectively, without creating unnecessary conflict or fear.

You’ll learn:

• What OCD accommodations really are and how they sneak into daily routines
• Why reducing them helps your child gain long-term confidence
• How to involve your child in the process
• What to do (and not do) when emotions run high
• How to stay consistent and supportive as your child builds resilience

Pulling back OCD accommodations isn’t about being tough — it’s about helping your child take their power back from OCD, one small step at a time.

Get in-depth OCD support in my FREE parenting series starting this week. You can register at www.ATparentingsurvivalseries.com

Links mentioned in the show:

Get a PDF handout of today’s episode

SPACE Treatment Study Guide Course

Eli Lebowitz’s book Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD & Alec Pollard’s book When a Love On Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment

SPACE Treatment website, Alec Pollard’s website, YouTube video on compulsive reassurance, YouTube video on compulsive confessing, Podcast on developing effective incentive plans

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD: https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child can’t explain their OCD, it can feel impossible to know how to help. Many kids feel embarrassed, don’t have the words, or experience OCD as a feeling instead of a clear fear. Sometimes the compulsions come first, making it even harder to put into words.

In this episode, I’ll share why kids struggle to explain their OCD and what you can do instead of pushing for answers. You’ll learn how to spot patterns, identify themes, and support your child with both compassion and strategy.

✨ Want more step-by-step guidance? Join my free series, Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD starting next week at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com.

***

This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to

https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.

Parents, do you need more support?  

🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️

Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:

https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com

Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):

https://atparentingcommunity.com

Take one of my FREE webinars:

www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars

Check out my books: 

www.Natashadaniels.com/books

🌸 Other social places I hang out:

http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival 

http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival

http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.