Episode 5: Navigating Childhood Anxiety - Jamie Hughes on Raising Resilient Kids

A Quest for Wholeness

Episode Summary

Early Recognition and Professional Help

• Jamie begins to recognize her daughters anxiety and begins navigating the course of support for her and their family.
• Recognizing anxiety in children can be challenging but seeking professional help is crucial.
• Play therapy can be beneficial for children dealing with anxiety.

Parental Influence and Self-Awareness

• Jamie’s realization that her own anxiety played a role in her daughter’s struggles.
• Parents need to be aware of their own anxiety and how it might impact their children
• Balancing work, parenting, and managing personal anxiety is a delicate challenge.

Impact of External Factors

• The pandemic has added stress to families, exacerbating anxiety-related issues.
• Societal expectations and pressures can contribute to the challenges of parenting.

Communication with Schools

• Lexi and Jamie discuss the challenges of communication with schools about children’s particular needs.
• Open communication with teachers and school staff is essential when dealing with a child’s anxiety.
• Advocating for your child and working collaboratively with schools can be empowering.

Triggers and Cues of Anxiety from Jamie’s Daughter

• Fidgeting
• Asking a lot of question
• Talking very fast.
• Wanting to be prepared. Jamie implemented calendars and more visual representations to be prepared for the day.
• Baths in the morning to reduce anxiety. (A familiar feeling like being a mother’s womb) When in doubt, but them in water.

Ostracism and Bullying

• Children with anxiety may face ostracism and bullying, highlighting the need for a supportive environment.
• Encouraging open dialogue at school can address these challenges and foster understanding.

Ongoing Nature of Anxiety Management

• Managing a child's anxiety is an ongoing process that requires adaptation and continuous effort.
• Co-regulation, understanding triggers, and providing consistent support are essential strategies.

Parental Advice

• Parents going through similar situations should prioritize open communication and seek professional support.
• Sharing experiences and insights can help build a supportive community for parents of anxious children.

Overall Message

• Parenting a child with anxiety involves multifaceted challenges that require a combination of professional help, self-awareness, and open communication.
• The journey is ongoing, and adapting to the evolving needs of the child is key to effective anxiety management.
• Co-regulation and understanding one’s triggers are important tools in managing anxiety.

Guest Bio

💛 Instagram: @everydaymamaof3

Jamie is a devoted mother of three, a passionate pre-school teacher, and a driven business owner. With 17 years of sobriety, she has cultivated resilience and strength that profoundly influence her parenting style. Guiding young minds in the classroom and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape both bring her immense joy and fulfillment. Jamie's journey with sobriety has shaped her perspective on life, emphasizing resilience, empathy, and open communication. Each facet of her life contributes to the unique mosaic that defines her, and she is excited to share her story, insights, and perspectives with those around her.

Host Bio

💛 Instagram: @questforwholenesspodcast

From a young age, Lexi Burt embodied qualities of being bossy, loud, and energetic. While not much has changed, she's learning to channel this spirited energy into more focused and appropriate areas. With a profound passion for holistic health, psychology, exercise, and nutrition, Lexi earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with Honours from Mount Royal University. A proud British Columbian, she finds solace and joy in nature through activities like camping, hiking, invigorating cold water swims, and her newfound love for outdoor rock climbing. Lexi holds a deep appreciation for concepts such as Hygge, the Blue Zones philosophy, and the overall tranquility of nature. Catch her outdoors, relishing moments with friends, family, her Corgi, and her lovely partner.

Resources Mentioned

💛 Childhood Anxiety Course https://childmind.org/care/areas-of-expertise/anxiety-disorders-center/parents-of-anxious-children-and-teens-training-pact/#:~:text=The Child Mind Institute's Parents,3-13 struggling with anxiety.

💛 Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson https://www.amazon.ca/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/ref=asc_df_0553386697/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292969433943&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16592113227126010663&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001335&hvtargid=pla-436541850135&psc=1&mcid=2227983b618b313f9b89708297b060f4

💛 Anxiety Canada https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/parent-child/

Credits

💛Intro music cred to @chrizpychriz <3

💛Braden and Troy at Amplifyou for supporting me in bringing this project into fruition, thank you guys.

Join us!

💛 Follow us on Instagram @questforwholenesspodcast

💛 Liked what you heard? Leave a review of iTunes or a 5 star on Spotify! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/introducing-a-quest-for-wholeness-with-lexi-burt/id1722325299?i=1000639248932

💛 Questions? Email me at [e-mail] or DM me @questforwholenesspodcast