Welcome to the very first episode of the TELL ME IT WILL BE OK podcast, which used to be the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast. In this episode, we explain the shift in focus from a Q&A format to a more flexible, topic-driven approach to address specific aspects of child anxiety. We delve into the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing and its impact on anxiety, discussing how to recognize these negative thought patterns and practical strategies to manage them. The episode also highlights the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing these issues and the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of anxiety and support your anxious child in an ever-demanding world.

00:00 Welcome to the New Podcast Format

00:15 Why the Change?

00:45 Introducing the New Focus

02:11 The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

06:08 Understanding Catastrophizing

07:22 Real-Life Examples and Coping Strategies

14:13 Parental Catastrophizing and Child Anxiety

18:37 Planning for Catastrophes

25:03 Final Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, I address a common concern from parents: whether to tell their children they have anxiety. I explain the importance of giving children the language to describe their feelings and emphasizes that anxiety is a normal part of being human. I highlights that labeling anxiety can empower children rather than limit them, and encourage parents to focus on coping strategies and overcoming avoidance behaviors. I also discuss the potential benefits of diagnosis and how it can help children better understand their experiences. Ultimately, I reassure parents to support their children in navigating their feelings while fostering resilience and courage.

00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:25 Should You Tell Your Child About Their Anxiety?

00:57 Understanding Anxiety: A Common Human Experience

02:01 Talking to Your Child About Anxiety

04:52 The Real Issue: Avoidance, Not Anxiety

07:06 The Importance of Labels and Diagnoses

10:13 Empowering Your Child Despite Anxiety

12:44 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast!. In this episode, I address a listener's query about the relationship between perfectionism and child anxiety. Highlighting real-life examples and the challenges parents face in recognizing anxious perfectionism, I emphasize the importance of identifying avoidance behaviors and maintaining a balanced approach to children's achievements. I also discuss how perfectionism can manifest in different aspects of a child's life, from academics to eating habits, and provides guidance on how families can address these issues.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:25 Understanding Perfectionism and Child Anxiety

03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Perfectionism in Children

04:46 Real-Life Examples and Parental Challenges

06:41 Identifying Anxious Perfectionism

09:39 Perfectionism in Daily Life and Eating Habits

12:00 Conclusion and Further Support

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about whether to step in and help a child calm down or focus on teaching distress tolerance. Dawn explains how child anxiety leads to avoidance, not just of feared objects or situations, but also of the discomforting feelings themselves. She discusses strategies to help children tolerate these feelings, providing real-world examples. Additionally, Dawn examines how a parent's own anxiety can fuel their child's anxiety and shares various methods families can use to manage these challenging situations. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing feelings rather than immediately striving for calm.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:43 Understanding Child Anxiety and Avoidance

01:39 Practical Example: Dealing with Fear of Spiders

03:18 Teaching Distress Tolerance

06:05 Parental Anxiety and Its Impact

08:09 Strategies for Managing Meltdowns

10:46 Creating an Exposure Plan

11:31 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, who has over three decades of experience working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the widespread anxiety caused by unprecedented times and political upheaval, particularly since the Trump administration. She shares her experiences as a progressive therapist serving diverse clients and discusses the impact of societal issues on personal anxiety, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Dawn offers practical advice on managing news consumption, setting priorities, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to societal issues without overwhelming oneself. She encourages listeners to focus on maintaining strong relationships with their children and recognizes the long-term challenges and emotional toll of these times.

00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:33 Addressing General Anxiety in Unprecedented Times

01:15 Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health

03:49 Body Image and Anxiety During Political Turmoil

06:07 Navigating Anxiety in the Current Political Landscape

11:01 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Staying Informed

14:15 Balancing Personal Well-being and Civic Responsibility

22:37 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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