The Teen Anxiety Maze- Parenting Teens, Help for Anxiety, Anxious Teens, Anxiety Relief

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In this episode, I'm joined by Kristi Simons, a transformational coach dedicated to helping teens unlock their true potential. We dive deep into Kristi's unique approach to empowering teenagers who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, and low confidence.

Learn how Kristi works with teens to help them develop a strong sense of self, embrace their inner strengths, and build the resilience they need to navigate life's challenges. Whether you're a parent, educator, or teen, this episode offers actionable insights on how to support and empower young people on their journey to confidence and personal growth.

Key topics:

Overcoming anxiety and self-doubt
Building confidence in teens
Fostering resilience and self-awareness
How parents can support their anxious teens
If you're passionate about helping teens thrive, this episode is for you!

🎙️ Listen to the full episode on The Anxiety Maze Navigator Podcast
🔗 Subscribe for more expert advice on managing anxiety in teens!

#TeenConfidence #AnxietyInTeens #ParentingAnxiousTeens #KristiSimons #EmpowerTeens #TeenResilience #ConfidenceBuilding #AnxietyMazeNavigator

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You know that thing on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed to tomorrow? Yeah, that one. We talked about why we do that and how it might be linked to anxiety.

Here's the scoop:

1. We all avoid stuff. It's not just you.
2. Avoiding things feels good... for about five minutes. Then it usually makes us feel worse.
3. Try this: Instead of "I have to do this," say "I choose to do this." It's a small change, but it can make a big difference.
4. Doing uncomfortable things is how we grow. It's not fun, but it's worth it.
5. Parents: It's tempting to shield our kids from discomfort, but learning to handle it is crucial for their future.
6. Figure out what you really want, then be willing to do the not-so-fun stuff to get there.

I'll be honest - I still struggle with this sometimes. Remember how I mentioned painting the house? Still haven't done it. But I'm working on it, just like you're working on your stuff.

If you're finding it tough to put these ideas into practice, don't beat yourself up. This stuff is hard. If you want some support, remember I'm here. We could set up an anxiety audit call and tackle this together.

I'm curious - what's one thing you've been avoiding? And how might you reframe it as a choice? Hit reply and let me know. I always love hearing from you.

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Katie May, licensed therapist and author of "You're on Fire, It's Fine." Katie shares her expertise on helping teens struggling with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts - topics that are often overlooked but critically important.

Key highlights:

Why some teens experience emotions so intensely it feels like they're "on fire"
The importance of parent self-regulation in supporting troubled teens
How unilateral change can improve family dynamics, even if only the parent seeks help
Insights into Creative Healing's unique approach of working with both teens and parents
Tips for parents whose teens may be showing early signs of emotional struggles

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about teen mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies. Katie's compassionate approach and years of experience shine through as she discusses how to better understand and support the teenagers in our lives.

Don't forget to check out Katie's book and parent membership program for more in-depth resources!

#TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTips #TherapyForTeens #EmotionalRegulation #SelfHarm #depressionawareness

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:45 Understanding intense teen emotions
08:30 The importance of parent self-regulation
12:15 Creative Healing's approach to teen therapy
17:20 Unilateral change in family dynamics
22:40 Tips for parents noticing early signs of struggle
28:55 Resources and closing thoughts

Links:
Katie May's book
Parent Membership Program
Creative Healing website
7 Truths for Stopping Teens Destructive Behaviors

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In this episode, we’re diving deep into practical techniques for managing anxiety when it feels overwhelming. 🌟 Anxiety is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. In this solo episode, I explore simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts that can help you calm down before anxiety spirals out of control.

I’ll share insights from the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and break down one of the “puzzle pieces” to help you manage those uncomfortable physical sensations—whether it's a nervous stomach, headaches, or other stress reactions. You’ll learn how to reset your body’s alarm system and take back control with something as simple as your breath.

🎧 Topics covered:

Why anxiety won’t just “go away” and what we can do about it
Recognizing the early signs of anxiety in your body
Breathing techniques you can use anywhere to calm your mind
The importance of staying regulated to manage life’s challenges
Remember: You’re not alone in this journey. These strategies are here to help you navigate anxiety with confidence, one breath at a time. 💫

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This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joanna Lilly, a consultant who specializes in helping young adults (18+) navigate that tricky period between high school and, well, the rest of their lives.
You know how we always hear that there's only one path to success? High school, college, job, family, rinse and repeat? Well, Joanna's here to shake things up a bit. Her approach is all about recognizing that success looks different for everyone, and that's okay!
Here are some highlights from our conversation:

Joanna works as a sort of "matchmaker" for young adults, helping them find the right fit - whether that's outpatient treatment, residential programs, gap year experiences, or just figuring out next steps.

We talked about my own non-traditional college experience (spoiler alert: I may have ghosted my roommate and left college without telling anyone... oops!).

Joanna shared some great insights about the growing acceptance of gap years and alternative paths, especially since the pandemic.

We discussed how parents can support their kids during this transition, even when things don't go according to plan.

Joanna has a podcast called "Success is Subjective" where she interviews people about their non-linear paths to success. Guess what? I was a guest!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/success-is-subjective-helping-parents-of-college/id1499891712

If you're a parent of a teen or young adult, or if you work with this age group, I really think you'll find this episode valuable. And hey, even if you're just curious about different life paths, give it a listen!
You can find all the links to Joanna's website, podcast, and resources below. Oh, and she has this super helpful freebie on her site - a list of the top six forms parents should have their kids fill out before college. Trust me, it's gold!

📃Free Downloads:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-lilley-ma-ncc-12546566/

Website: http://www.lilleyconsulting.com
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@LilleyConsulting/featured
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LilleyConsultingLLC/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-lilley-ma-ncc-12546566/

Email:  [email protected]



As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Did it resonate with you? Do you have your own non-linear success story? Comment and let me know!

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I'm diving deep into the concept of embracing uncertainty and discomfort. It's a tough one, I know, but it's a crucial step towards personal growth and overcoming anxiety.

I've talked about the importance of expecting worry and the power of talking to your anxiety like a person. This week, I focused on the idea that life is full of unknowns. It's okay to feel uncertain about the future. In fact, it's normal!

The key is to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take risks. It's okay to feel uncomfortable. It's okay to not know what's going to happen. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Remember, I'm not talking about taking dangerous risks. I'm talking about emotional risks. Things like trying new hobbies, asking someone out, or pursuing a new career path. These can be scary, but they're also incredibly rewarding.

I've personally learned a lot from taking emotional risks. It's helped me grow as a person and achieve my goals. I believe it can do the same for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Start small. Take a deep breath and step outside your comfort zone. You might be surprised at what you're capable of.

Join my Free Parenting Anxious Teens Master Class on Sept. 9, 2024!
https://cheerful-writer-462.ck.page/05ec8bc99d

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Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially for students with anxiety or disabilities. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Jordan, a college accessibility expert with 15 years of experience, to discuss essential strategies for success in higher education.
Key topics covered:

Understanding the differences between high school and college accommodations
Developing crucial self-advocacy skills
Practical tips for managing anxiety on campus
How to request and utilize college disability services
The importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise for academic success

Whether you're a student preparing for college, a parent supporting your child's transition, or an educator guiding students, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Learn how to navigate the challenges of college life and set yourself up for success.
Don't miss Dan's book recommendation and free checklist for requesting college accommodations!

Dan's Bio and Links:
Dan Jordan has worked as the Accessibility Coordinator and a counselor in higher education for over ten years and is just completing his 15th year. With over 25 years combined in community mental health and in higher education, Dan has a passion for student success and wellness, advocacy, and ensuring students have the access they need. As a father of a son with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, he also understands a parent’s perspective and concerns about accommodations in high school and college and the critical importance of self-advocacy and mental wellness.

Email address
[email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram

College Accommodations Checklist

Dan’s Podcast: After the IEP

Dan’s Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education (on Amazon)


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Thanks to my listener, Branson, Missouri, who asked for a bedtime prompt for an anxious teen.

Here is a sleep meditation that you can listen to anytime you need help falling asleep.

Let me know how it goes.

Enjoy!

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Remember a couple weeks back when we talked about expecting worry? Well, this time we're taking it a step further. We're learning how to actually talk to our worries! I know, it sounds a bit odd at first, but stick with me here.

The idea is to personify our anxiety - give it a character, a face, maybe even a silly voice. For me, it's Mrs. Crawley from Downton Abbey (if you know, you know!). 
By doing this, we can separate ourselves from our anxiety and have a conversation with it.

I shared some examples of how to chat with your worry:

• Acknowledge it: "Hey there, Worry. I knew you'd show up for the first day of school."
• Be friendly: "Come along for the ride, but you'll see there's nothing to fear."
• Boss it around (in a playful way): "Knock it off! This isn't an emergency."

The cool thing is, this technique works for all ages. I even had a 59-year-old client use it successfully!

For parents, I emphasized the importance of modeling this behavior and then coaching our kids to do it themselves. It's all about helping them become independent anxiety-managers.

Oh, and exciting news! I'm starting a parent book study group where we can dive deeper into these concepts together. ​If you're interested, sign up HERE!​

I'd love to hear how this technique works for you or your kids. Give it a try and let me know!

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In my latest episode, I dive deep into the complex issue of parent-child rejection, especially in the context of divorce and custody disputes. My guest, Cathy Himlin, brings over 25 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist to shed light on this challenging topic.

Cathy shares valuable insights on:

• ​The various reasons children might reject a parent, beyond the usual assumptions​
• How parental anxiety and emotional states can influence children's behaviors
• Effective techniques for reconnecting with children, including emotion coaching
• Practical advice for maintaining contact during separation

Whether you're personally dealing with family law issues or work in a related field, this episode offers a fresh perspective on parent-child relationships during difficult times.

Cathy also ​discusses her specialized parenting class​ and ​upcoming book,​ both designed to help parents navigate these complex situations.

I found this conversation enlightening and believe many of you will too. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in family dynamics, divorce impacts, or child psychology.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this episode.

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