Parenting Issues

Parenting

Everyone goes through periods when life's challenges can be tackled easier with help. Sometimes new rules need to be established for the season in life.

Basically, our children do not come with instruction manuals, so it helps to have a neutral person to evaluate the situation based on her professional knowledge and skills.

But it is a team effort. Consistency and family units are keys to change. Parents must commit to working with the therapist.

Symptoms of Anxiety in Teens
and Children

◊ In a social setting your teen appears withdrawn, shy, or uneasy.

◊ He/She refuses to attend or remain at school.

◊ He/She protests whenever he is apart from friends.

◊ He/She avoids her usual activities or refuses to engage in new experiences.

◊ He/She is overly restrained or overly emotional.

◊ He/She complains about physical symptoms such as muscle tension, stomach pain, headaches, or fatigue.

◊ Children may demonstrate impulsive behaviors, cry and whine a great deal or even attempt to hide behind the parent or caregiver.

Giving your children a heads-up opens the
door to increased self-awareness and a stronger self-esteem.

◊ With younger children, start by describing a behavior you observed them doing. For example; refusing to talk, holding head down, or maybe sitting too close or attempting to hide behind you.

◊ Share a situation about yourself when you felt anxious, such as your first day at work or going to a party. This can be a great opportunity to introduce and explain feeling words. Putting a name to an emotion can help normalize them.

◊ Teens may be able to relate to words such as feeling jittery, on edge, uncomfortable, and hard to think clearly (like when asking someone out on a date).

◊ Take advantage of everyday situations and play the "what if" game. While watching a television show or at a sporting event, "what if you were in that situation" or "what if that happened to you, how do you think you would feel?"

D O N T	Criticize	(ex: "You don't know what stress is at your age!")
	Judge	(ex: "Being nervous is silly!")
	Advice	(ex: "This is what you need to do!")
	Negate	(ex: "You're just being too sensitive!")
	*This does not reduce anxiety, but rather it fosters self-doubt. "I must be stupid if I feel like this for no reason!"*

D O	Let him/her know you are there for him/her.
	Be willing when he/she is ready.
	Listen, listen, listen, listen!!!!!
	Acknowledge feelings

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals, Primary Care Physician, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or therapist before acting on information provided.