Each week Dawn answers a frequently asked question about child and teen anxiety. Dawn spent thirty years working with, writing about, and supporting parents and children in her private clinical practice and now as the owner of Child Anxiety Support, a membership for parents of anxious kids and teens.
…
continue reading
Parenting Paused presses PAUSE on those shame inducing parenting failures. It presses PLAY on your inner wisdom and the ability to be the parent you want to be. Join Leslie Potter, mother and founder of Purejoy Parenting, as she shares her personal experiences as well as works with other moms and dads in real time to show you the step-by-step process to turn your parenting around.
…
continue reading
The Live Lovely podcast is a source of encouragement towards growth with tangible and practical tools to live a more full and lovely life. Hosted by Courtney Means, each episode takes a look at the large scope of an idea and whittles it down to an application for being present in every ordinary moment.
…
continue reading
When children's behavior is difficult, parents need support, good information, and practical tools to reduce stress, understand their child's emotions, and build cooperation and warm connection in the family. Join Elle Kwan and Abigail Wald as they share the Hand in Hand Parenting approach with useful examples and stories from real parents like you.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What are some effective strategies to help my child when they engage in negative self-talk?
14:16
14:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:16
In this episode, we're getting into some solid strategies to help out kids dealing with negative self-talk. We tackle the challenges of the tween and early teen years, discuss the impact of social anxiety, and give parents some practical tips to support their anxious children.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What are some practical strategies for reorienting myself to a less anxious mindset so I can better support my child?
10:29
10:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:29
This week we talk about the importance of acknowledging and working through personal anxieties, and I share specific techniques to help parents manage their own worries while supporting their child's journey to coping with anxiety.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How can I identify specific areas to work on with my anxious child without overwhelming them?
12:32
12:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:32
This week I share insights on disrupting anxiety patterns, identifying manageable starting points, and honoring both parental and child capacities.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What do I do when I'm not enjoying my anxious child?
8:35
8:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:35
This is such a painful place to be! But pain can also be the motivation we need to revisit what we're doing and start doing something different! Mostly I want to reassure you that loving your kids doesn't mean you'll always love parenting those kids and that's ok.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How do I help my anxious child process their feelings?
11:28
11:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:28
You know what's hard about this one? Well, first not all anxious kids WANT to process their feelings and second sometimes processing their feelings gets them stuck. Learn more on this week's episode of The Child Anxiety FAQBy Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
As summer approaches, I can't help but feel nostalgic for the free, open summers of my childhood in Mississippi. 🌞 Back then, we'd hang out, ride our bikes, and our parents trusted us to be okay. Nowadays, times are different - with cell phones and constant tracking, there's a lot more structure and perhaps less freedom for kids. This summer, I'm c…
…
continue reading
Spoiler alert -- you're not the cause but yes, you are the solution. Both things can be true! I talk about the fallacy that a child's diagnosis ALWAYS goes back to what the parents are doing. Nonsense!
…
continue reading
In this week's episode of Parenting Paused, I found myself reflecting on the different approaches to parenting I've seen and experienced. I noticed a backlash against gentle and conscious parenting, as if kindness to children prevents them from behaving appropriately. I believe these perceptions stem from the ways we were parented ourselves. I chos…
…
continue reading
This question is less important than the asker thought it was and I use this episode to explain why. I also talk a little bit about why it's ok if two households are handling the anxiety diffrently (mostly because there's not necessarily anything we can do about it)!
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What are some specific tips you have for parents of anxious teens?
9:50
9:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:50
Specifically? Help your teen get more sleep! It's my number one wish for ALL anxious kids and other humans! Learn more this week on The Child Anxiety FAQBy Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
This week on Parenting Paused I dive deep into the topic of overprotection. It's a parenting trait that's close to my heart and one I see many struggling with. Of course, you want your children to be safe, but are you shielding them too much? Are you preventing them from experiencing their feelings and thoughts, both good and bad, to avoid discomfo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What can I do about my anxious child's low self esteem?
10:25
10:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:25
Poor self esteem is super common in child anxiety and no wonder -- anxiety upends our ability to do the things they want to do or that are expected of them. Let's talk about what we can do as loving, supportive parents.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Do you have any tips for an overwhelmed parent dealing with my child's anxiety? the child anxiety FAQ episode 96
8:49
8:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:49
I have several tips, mostly about finding new ways to consider what parenting an anxious child is supposed to be, which might help you feel less pressured to "fix" things.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Reflecting on our role as parents, we often express our needs to our children without realizing the pressure we put on them. This week, try flipping the script: instead of projecting your needs onto them. Ask your kids what they need. Understanding their needs can shift your relationships with them, reduce stress, and promote their own love and car…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How do I know if my anxious child is just being manipulative?
12:42
12:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:42
We interrogate this whole idea of manipulation, look at child development, and talk about better ways to consider the situation.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
On this episode of our Parenting Pause podcast, I share my experiences and wisdom about losing my mojo! I dig deep into the challenges of parenting, the unrealistic expectations we often have, and the importance of treating ourselves with kindness. Remember, you are not expected to be a supernatural parent, but a human one who sometimes loses your …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How can a parent deal with acting out behaviors in their anxious child?
12:59
12:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:59
A parent contacted me about an 8-year old whose separation anxiety means their child meltsdown every time she tries to leave the house. We talk about what we need to know and give a brief overview on how what we're doing might unintentionally be encouraging meltdowns (and what to do instead).By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Join me on my latest episode of Parenting Paused where I dive deep into understanding your children's behavior. I encourage you to question common advice and seek to understand the root causes of behaviors such as hitting. The goal? To parent from your internal wisdom, not just expert advice. Don't miss out on this insightful episode! #ParentingPau…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Homeschool made my child's social anxiety worse. Now what?
8:49
8:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:49
Because there was so little detail offered in this question it gave me the chance to explain what we need to know and why we need to know it to hopefully offer some ideas about next steps for listeners.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Discover the ever-changing nature of your children in this week's ParentingPause podcast. I delve into the challenges of getting 'stuck' in one perspective and how to broaden your vision to embrace all sides of your children's behavior. Just as spring brings constant change, so do your children. Tune in to explore how to navigate these changes and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is social anxiety disorder caused by trauma and bullying?
12:09
12:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:09
By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Discover the profound preciousness in every moment of your parenting journey. Even when reality differs from our expectations or when challenges arise, remember that each experience has a unique, inherent value. It's not always about getting it 'right' or making things 'better'. Sometimes, it's about sitting in the present, acknowledging the full s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Can someone grow out of having an anxiety disorder?
8:31
8:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:31
…
continue reading
This week on Parenting Paused I'm delving deeper into the function of my judgments and how they serve me. What I discovered is that judgments often occur in the blink of an eye. After observing myself, I noticed that my judgments are like questioners, leading me back to myself. They can cover over the deeper wisdom I carry, especially as a parent. …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How can I get my anxious child to use their coping tools?
9:38
9:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:38
This week we discuss "coping" and how sometimes parents misunderstand what that means.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Let's talk about honesty in parenting. We often strive to teach our children to be honest, but how do we react when their honesty conflicts with our comfort? This week in the Parenting Paused Podcast I explore how your reactions might inadvertently teach your children to tell white lies to keep you comfortable. Tune in as we reflect on the importan…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How can I tell if my child's anxiety is general or situational?
7:01
7:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:01
The person who asked this question is trying to figure out if the anxiety she's seeing in her child is just due to a specific situation or a sign that her child is more generally anxious. I share some thoughts about how to figure that out.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Discover the intricate dynamics of parenting with my latest Parenting Paused podcast episode. I take you on a deep dive into how your reactions often say more about you than your children. Uncover the truth about how your responses to your children's behavior can be a mirror reflecting your own unresolved issues. This episode is all about learning …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 218 Moving from Worry to Wonder http://tinyurl.com/delightparenting
6:39
6:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:39
Excited to share our latest episode of 'Parenting Pause' where I dive deep into the topic of moving from worry to wonder. I don't know about you but when my daughter was young I found myself consumed with worry about her future. Over time what I discovered was that I wasn't worried about her, I was feeling discomfort with where she was in her journ…
…
continue reading
Parents reach out for help because they need their anxious child to learn to not be anxious or to handle their anxiety more effectively. But we can't make our anxious child or even want to change. What we can do is focus on our own change. In this week's episode, we dig into this uncomfortable truth.…
…
continue reading
Imagine yourself supporting your children in building their internal house, and just like any house, it's crucial to have a stable foundation. But here's the thing - to support them in building a stable house your internal foundation is equally important. This week on Parenting Paused I share my personal journey of discovering that my own foundatio…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What do you do when a child is still as anxious if not more anxious of something after exposing them to it?
8:59
8:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:59
This question from a listener gives us the opportunity to talk about some of the details we need to know to appropriate address our individual child's anxiety, especially around things like school refusal.
…
continue reading
Let's dive into some thought-provoking ways to view our children. In this episode, you'll be challenged to explore the power of interpretations and conclusions in your parenting journey. Your experiences shapes your perspectives, and it's crucial to recognize how your conditioning and beliefs influence the way you interpret your child's behavior. I…
…
continue reading
This week I explain why it almost doesn't matter whose anxiety started the anxious patterns in the family because the intervention is the same -- at least to start. Also if you'd like to sign up for the free webinar "Tell Me It Will Be OK: How to Talk About Your Child's Anxiety (without making things worse)" just head here: ChildAnxietySupport.com/…
…
continue reading
In this week's podcast episode, we explore the concept of believing something is missing in the present moment. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in wanting things to be different, constantly seeking what we believe is missing. But what if we took a step back and realized that everything we need is already here, in this very moment? Join me as…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
When should I be concerned about my anxious child?
8:26
8:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:26
This week we explore parental concern in regards to child anxiety and what it means if the child is anxious and what if it means if they aren't (or at least if they aren't clinically anxious). Remember to reach out to me if you have further questions!By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Are you feeling discomfort in your parenting journey? It's natural to want things to go well and to feel comfortable, but I found avoiding discomfort as a method for parenting led to a disconnect between my aspirations as a mom and my actual methods. Parenting involves both challenge and support, and it's important to embrace all experiences, not j…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How do I help my anxious child feel heard and understood?
9:13
9:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:13
This week we talk about how we can support our anxious child and help them feel validated without joining them in their anxiety.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
This week, I dive into a topic that you might relate to: NEEDINESS! I share my personal experience and insights on how to navigate this rather challenging aspect of parenting. My emphasis is on understanding and honoring your needs and how they are perceived by your child. Tune in to discover my unique approach and learn practical strategies for em…
…
continue reading
We talk about what panic attacks are; discuss panic disorder; and get into some of the controversy and complications around the issue.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 212 Coming Along Side Your Child to Self-Regulate
7:16
7:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:16
Are you struggling with limiting your children's computer use? Here's a Purejoy take on the matter. Rather than being the enforcer of limits, how about empowering your child to discover their own boundaries? As a parent, I realized that my own experience of being constantly limited as a child led to resistance and a lack of self-awareness. Deciding…
…
continue reading
I get a lot of questions about homeschooling for kids with social anxiety or separation anxiety. Get my take on this week's episode of The Child Anxiety FAQ!By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
Happy New Year, lovies! Does the New Year prompt personal reflections and inquiry? Today, put aside your resolutions and look to what is true now. Pause with me to wonder: Who are you in this beautiful moment? What magic is unfolding in your child's journey? What changes have you noticed in your parenting journey? How is it to honor the present mom…
…
continue reading
We talk about what you can do FOR YOU to best help your anxious child with a promise to get into more specifics in future episodes.
…
continue reading
I found in my parenting journey that there's a delicate balance between caring for our children and unintentionally taking over. What might this balance look like? As a mama, I find my love knows no bounds. Even though, when my daughter was young, I wanted to shield her from pain, guide her through challenges, and see her thrive I found it challeng…
…
continue reading
Finding the sweet spot between power and influence is the dance of parenthood. It's about knowing when to step in and hold our personal boundary and when to step back, supporting our children in taking the space to explore, learn, and develop their own sense of self. Let's celebrate the power of awareness and influence—a force that lasts long after…
…
continue reading
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What are some signs that a child has anxiety?
10:16
10:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:16
On this week's episode I share common signs that a child might be struggling with anxiety. I talk about somatic symptoms and behavioral symptoms and how to tell the difference between productive anxiety and anxiety that's become problematic.By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful dance between giving and receiving. This time of year isn't just about the twinkling lights and festive decorations; it's a celebration of the connections we share and the love we have to offer. There's something incredibly heartwarming about selecting that perfect gift, wr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Does an anxious parent make an anxious child?
9:38
9:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:38
Short answer? No. Long answer? That's what this episode is all about!By Dawn Friedman MSEd
…
continue reading