Ep 2. Anxiety - The Way Out Is Through

As a parent, it's hard to see your child struggling with anxiety. In episode 2 of Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids, titled "Anxiety - The Way Out Is Through," experts explore the different types of anxiety that children may experience and offer insights into how parents can support their children in navigating this difficult emotion.

The episode begins by introducing the concept of "heightened sensitivity," which refers to an individual's increased tendency to feel things more deeply than others. Heightened sensitivity can manifest in various ways, including anxiety. While anxiety can be challenging to deal with, the experts on the show emphasize that it's a natural emotion and something that everyone experiences to some degree.

One of the keys to helping children with anxiety is accepting their experience and emotions rather than trying to dismiss or fix them. The experts on the show suggest that parents can start by asking their children how they're feeling and letting them know that it's okay to feel anxious.

The episode goes on to explore some of the different types of anxiety that children may experience, including separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder. Experts explain the symptoms of each type of anxiety and offer advice on how parents can support their children in managing their anxiety.

For example, if a child is experiencing separation anxiety, it can be helpful for parents to establish routines and rituals around saying goodbye and coming back together. If a child is struggling with social anxiety, parents can work with them to build social skills and encourage them to practice interacting with others in safe, supportive environments.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is that while it can be tough to see your child struggling with anxiety, it's important to remember that anxiety is a natural human emotion and something that can be managed with time and support. Rather than trying to "fix" their child's anxiety, parents can focus on creating a safe, supportive space where their child can express their emotions and feel heard and understood.

The experts on the show also discuss the importance of self-care for parents. Taking care of your own mental health and wellbeing can help you be more present and support your child more effectively. The episode ends with some tips and strategies for parents to practice self-care and manage their own stress.

Overall, episode 2 of Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids provides valuable insights into anxiety and how it affects children. The show offers practical advice and strategies for parents to help their children manage anxiety and build resilience. By creating a supportive, accepting environment for their children, parents can help them navigate the challenges of growing up and develop into emotionally and socially healthy individuals.