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In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be OK, I talk with Dr. Ali Navidi about disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs)—common, impairing GI conditions affecting 13–20% of children and especially likely in kids with anxiety, trauma history, eating disorders, or autism. We discuss the complex, bidirectional “chicken-and-egg” relationship between anxiety and GI symptoms, emphasizing that symptoms are real and not “all in the head,” while warning against simplistic gut-health claims used to sell supplements. Dr. Navidi explains how hypervigilance, catastrophizing, gut-brain signaling, and visceral hypersensitivity reinforce symptoms, and outlines evidence-based treatment using gut-focused CBT and clinical hypnosis, which are supported by decades of research and included in GI guidelines. He describes psychoeducation, hypnosis “talent” tests, and how telehealth services at GIPsychology.com provide access nationwide. Takeaways: The podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms in children and their resultant anxiety, illustrating the complexities involved in understanding this connection.I emphasize the notion that while dietary changes may influence anxiety levels, the idea that anxiety can be solely cured through diet or supplements is overly simplistic and misleading.The discussion introduces the concept of disorders of gut-brain interaction, which are surprisingly prevalent among children, particularly those with anxiety or trauma histories.Dr. Ali Navidi shares that effective treatment for these conditions often requires specialized approaches, including gut-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis, both supported by substantial research.We highlight the importance of educating parents about the nature of their child's symptoms, emphasizing that understanding is a crucial first step toward effective treatment.Lastly, the podcast underscores the role of imagination and focused attention in managing anxiety, suggesting that children can leverage these skills to alleviate their symptoms in a therapeutic context. Links referenced in this episode: gipsychology.com Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman MSEd interviews Dr. Roxanne Daleo, an expressive arts and somatic therapist who works with kids and families. Daleo describes her early work with hospitalized and terminally ill children and how training at Harvard, including Dr. Herbert Benson’s relaxation-response research, shaped her focus on the mind-body connection and breath. She explains expressive arts therapy as a nonverbal, right-hemisphere approach using music, rhythm, imagery, drawing, painting, and other art forms, emphasizing process over product and why it can fit children who resist talk therapy. Daleo discusses somatic principles, psychoneuroimmunology, and examples from hospital settings where imagery and art supported calming and healing. She shares practical techniques for parents, guided imagery storytelling, resources on her website, and a free “Head and Heart Anxiety Reset” call. 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Roxanne's Origin Story 05:28 What Are the Expressive Arts? 07:37 Why Expressive Arts Over Talk Therapy for Kids 08:20 Somatic Work & the Mind-Body Connection 28:26 Working with Perfectionist Kids 31:53 Storytelling & Guided Imagery 40:42 Breathing & the Holistic Approach 44:58 Resources & How to Connect with Dr. Roxanne Download Dr. Daleo's story, The Magic Seed: Courage as an mp3: http://drroxannedaleo.com/roxanne_daleo_magic_seed_1.mp3 Her website is at: http://drroxannedaleo.com Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman hosts a solo episode of the Tell Me It Will Be OK podcast for parents raising anxious kids, challenging the belief that good parenting should feel good and arguing that struggle, conflict, and insecurity can be normal signs that an approach needs to change as children grow. She emphasizes that parents can’t control kids’ feelings or behavior—whether a child falls asleep or feels anxious belongs to the child—so the work is to focus on what parents can control, avoid codependent attempts to force change, and use frustration as information to clarify values, boundaries, expectations, and strategies. Using bedtime and sleeping alone as an example, she describes planning for worst-case scenarios and viewing growth as an ongoing process for both child and parent. She also announces “Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice,” a weekly guided journaling private podcast with a community, launching July 6, $25/year at OpenBookParenting.com. 00:00 Introduction 05:53 Understanding Child Anxiety 06:46 The Bedtime Deep-Dive 12:34 Parenting Is For Parents Too 19:23 Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman welcomes Dr. Melissa Giglio, a CBT therapist and director of Central Health Partners Child Development in Hong Kong, to discuss selective mutism (SM). Giglio explains SM as an anxiety disorder in which children who speak fluently at home are persistently unable to speak in specific settings, often mistaken for stubbornness, and distinguishes shyness from social anxiety and SM using persistence and functional impairment. They emphasize collaborating with schools, using gradual exposure without “rescuing,” helping children habituate, and coaching parents to stay calm, supportive, and non-accommodating while building distress tolerance and confidence. The conversation addresses anxious parents, concerns about traumatizing exposure, demand avoidance and providing perceived control with continued expectations, common comorbidities (including ADHD), when medication may help, and the need for evidence-based, systemic treatment involving parents and schools. Giglio shares resources (Bravery Grows book, a six-month journal) and intensive one-to-one camps in Hong Kong and Maine, plus outcomes when SM is untreated. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:17 Meet Dr Giglio 01:47 What Is Selective Mutism 02:44 Why The Name Changed 03:37 Misconceptions And Oppositionality 04:22 How Parents First Notice 05:23 Shy Vs Social Anxiety 06:53 When Anxiety Becomes Persistent 09:43 Supporting Exposure Without Rescue 11:55 Handling Meltdowns And Tiny Steps 13:27 Anxious Parents And Trauma Fears 16:12 PDA And Demand Avoidance Nuance 20:00 Comorbidity And Medication Questions 22:23 Overlearning Through Exposure 22:54 Finding Proper SM Treatment 23:47 Parents As Co Therapists 27:08 Coaching Without Accommodating 28:15 Books And Journals Tools 31:25 Intensive Exposure Camps 33:37 Wins And Progress Stories 35:16 Risks Of Late Identification 37:23 Let Kids Do Hard Things Working with Dr. Giglio at Main Child Therapy Center Grab her book, Bravery Grows Follow her on Instagram Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman introduces the final May Mental Health Awareness Month guest episode of Tell Me It Will Be OK, featuring Pam Howard of Less Drama More Mama, a licensed clinical social worker, master certified life coach, author, and mom of two. Pam shares two “mama meltdown” stories—one in 2009 with a 3-year-old and newborn when she yelled, threatened consequences, and spanked in rage, and another 13 years later when she yelled at her teen for not getting up for school and threatened a truancy officer. She explains how, instead of spiraling into shame, she practiced self-compassion, sought support, and used the experience as growth, drawing on The Gap and the Gain to focus on progress. Pam describes repairing with her daughters through apology, conversation, and a “family reset,” and invites listeners to forgive themselves and reframe imperfect parenting as an opportunity for change. 00:00 Finale Guest Intro 02:20 What Is a Mama Meltdown 02:51 2009 Breaking Point 04:55 Shame and Wake Up Call 06:17 Meltdown Returns Years Later 07:02 Saboteurs Take Over 08:57 Choosing Self Compassion 10:24 Gap Versus Gain Mindset 11:11 Repairing After the Blowup 13:24 Forgiveness and Growth 15:16 Wrap Up and Coaching Invite Get more of Pam at the following links: Website: Less Drama More Mama Instagram: Less Drama More Mama Facebook: Less Drama More Mama Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

In this Mental Health Awareness Month crossover, the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast features Leah Davidson—speech language pathologist, nervous system resilience coach, host of Building Resilience, and founder of Resilient Brilliance—sharing an episode on “Parenting Older Kids Without Overfunctioning.” Leah explains that as kids become teens and young adults, parents’ roles shift from constant doing to observing, which can bring grief, relief, confusion, and longing. She argues older kids don’t “borrow” a parent’s regulation the same way; they react to it, so parental urgency, advice, and fixing can feel like pressure or control and create distance. Leah emphasizes regulating yourself to respond rather than reflexively react, set clear boundaries without escalation, and create space that communicates respect and trust. She offers practical cues like pausing, using non-withdrawn silence, and reflecting on effort versus connection. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:58 Why Older Kids Hit Hard 03:28 Midlife Focus and Community 05:40 From Borrowing to Reacting 07:36 Regulate Yourself and Set Boundaries 10:00 Space Builds Connection 12:31 The Real Work Is You 14:05 Practical Regulation Tools 15:31 Stop Overfunctioning for Closeness 17:34 Reflection Questions and Wrap Up 19:13 Community Invite and Outro Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Tell Me It Will Be Okay Podcast shares its platform with Cynthia Coffel’s Teen Anxiety Maze for an episode titled “Overcoming Avoidance: Choose Your Path to Success,” inspired by Lynn Lyons’ book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents. Cynthia explains how avoidance temporarily relieves discomfort but reinforces anxiety over time, showing up in everyday procrastination and in teens avoiding school, friends, parties, driving, or homework. She encourages parents and teens to identify meaningful goals, reframe “I have to” into “I choose to,” and use mindset shifts to make difficult tasks more tolerable. Cynthia emphasizes supporting kids through manageable discomfort (not panic), role modeling persistence, and preparing teens for adulthood by practicing doing hard things, and invites listeners to work with her through coaching and an “anxiety audit” call. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:26 Meet Teen Anxiety Maze 02:03 Book Series and Coaching Offer 04:27 Why We Avoid Tasks 08:00 Avoidance in Anxious Kids 10:13 Find Goals and Motivation 14:55 School Refusal Mindset Shift 17:33 Choose Versus Have To 20:40 Parenting for Discomfort Skills 26:51 Goal Formula and Role Modeling 29:59 Wrap Up and How to Connect You can learn more about connect with Cynthia by heading to her website, BetterRegulateThanNever.com and by following her on instagram @cynthiacoufalcoaching Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman introduces the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast and, for Mental Health Awareness Month and Child Mental Health Awareness Week (beginning May 3), announces that each Friday in May will feature another parenting-focused podcast’s favorite episode. She then explains why finding therapy for kids and teens is difficult, including provider shortages and insurance complications, and shares why she doesn’t take insurance: extensive paperwork, payment and coverage errors, limits on session length, insurer control over notes, and insurers dictating care. She discusses sliding scale realities, concerns about large venture-funded services and clinician turnover, and why a therapist doesn’t need to be a parent but should have child experience, consultation support, and training in child anxiety (including awareness of SPACE and parent involvement). She recommends ways to find referrals, highlights diagnosis/treatment plan considerations, and explains custody-related legal limits and why child therapists can’t weigh in on custody. 00:00 Podcast Welcome and May Series 00:56 Why Finding a Therapist Is Hard 01:15 Private Practice Background 02:09 Why Therapists Skip Insurance 06:35 Sliding Scale and Low Cost Options 07:54 Concerns About Big Therapy Platforms 09:56 Should Your Therapist Be a Parent 11:50 Kid Experience and Supervision Matters 16:02 Child Anxiety Training and Parent Role 17:51 School Based Therapy and Diagnoses 19:21 Treatment Plans and Long Term Fit 22:29 How to Find and Vet Therapists 27:21 Rapport and Why Child Therapy Is Tough 29:03 Custody Battles and Legal Limits 32:17 SPACE Directory and Wrap Up You can find a SPACE trained provider by going here: https://www.spacetreatment.net Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

The episode of the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast features an interview with New York–licensed psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Michael Schwartzman about his book The Anxious Parent: Freeing Yourself from the Stresses and Fears of Parenting and how parents can separate their own anxiety from their child’s needs through reflection and child-development awareness. Schwartzman discusses how modern parenting includes more unknowns, why consistency matters more than occasional “perfect” responses, and how children learn through experience, including useful failure, risk-taking, and independence. He shares personal stories of his own anxious parenting and explains how parents can avoid over-identifying with their child while still providing empathy and guidance. We discuss how “the problem is the point,” encouraging experimentation, tolerating discomfort, and authoring one’s own parenting based on values rather than quick-fix advice. You can connect with Dr. Schwartzman and learn more about his books at his website, MichaelSchwartzmanPhD.com. He also mentions two books in his podcast. They are: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Raising Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogul PhDThe Ordinary is Extraordinary: How Children Under Three Learn by Amy Laura Dobro and Leah Wallach 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:34 How Parenting Changed 06:00 Separating Parent vs Child Anxiety 07:40 Social Media Parenting Fixes 10:55 Consistency Over Perfection 12:50 Developmental Expectations 16:09 Shaping Child and World 17:59 Anxious Parent Origin Story 21:36 Time Travel and Triggers 27:03 Letting Kids Own Their Lives 28:35 Raising Kids to Leave 32:16 Learning Through Adjustment 33:29 Letting Kids Struggle 35:19 Confidence Through Parenting 37:38 Working With Resistance 40:16 Benign Versus Harmful Neglect 43:05 Try It Your Way 43:52 Parenting Resources 46:39 School Psychologist Role 48:15 Becoming A Parent 52:56 Parenting Is Messy 55:06 Problem Is The Point 58:15 Author Your Parenting 01:01:03 Learning Is The Point 01:03:15 Final Takeaways Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Dawn Friedman hosts the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast and interviews therapist and adult and child psychiatrist Dr. Elena Lister about her book Giving Hope: Conversations with Children about Illness, Death and Loss (co-written with Michael Schwartzman and Lindsay Tate). Lister explains that asking children about difficult subjects—including death and suicidal feelings—doesn’t “put ideas in their head,” but builds trust and opens communication, noting kids already think about these topics through experiences like Disney movies, nature, and news events. She emphasizes caregivers being grounded and “steady and sturdy,” using delaying or revisiting conversations when needed, admitting mistakes, and allowing children to set pace while keeping doors open. Lister shares her family’s experience when her daughter Liza was dying, discusses talking about uncertainty and differing beliefs about afterlife, offers guidance on cremation and funerals, and highlights that mentionable is manageable. 00:00 Welcome and Guest 02:55 Fear of Saying It 05:53 Disney and Death 07:42 Start Before Loss 10:50 Grounded Parent Mindset 12:43 Deer in Headlights 15:42 Good Enough Parenting 16:44 Classroom Disclosure Story 23:24 Anger and Humanity 26:55 Distress Tolerance Check 30:19 Death in the News 35:00 Living With Mortality 37:05 Aging and Nature 37:58 Afterlife Questions 40:26 Family Beliefs Clash 42:02 Living With Uncertainty 43:01 Grief Work Origin Story 45:25 Schools Can Talk 47:47 Let Kids Set Pace 53:41 Child Life Support 55:47 Cremation Explained 57:55 Funerals and Rituals 01:02:09 Preparing Kids for Loss 01:05:46 Final Thanks and Wrap Website: Elena Lister MDGiving Hope by Elena Lister MD, Michael Schwartzman PhD with Lindsey Tate (affiliate link on Bookshop)A Short Good Life by Philip Lister MD (affiliate link on Bookshop) Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Letting Go to Focus on What Matters in Parenting Dawn Friedman introduces her podcast and explains “judicious giving up,” a practice of letting go of solving a parenting problem immediately so families can clarify what truly matters, understand what’s underneath the issue, and choose a more fitting focus. Drawing on her transition from solutions-focused case management to therapy, she notes that the stated problem is often not the real problem, and that parenting challenges—like an anxious child who won’t sleep alone—may reflect bigger needs, family values, timing, capacity, and parents’ own triggers or identity beliefs. She critiques one-size-fits-all, quick-fix behaviorist advice and emphasizes individualized, developmentally informed plans built from self-reflection, understanding the child, and aligning with values. She also reframes recurring struggles as opportunities for learning and growth rather than proof of failure. (This is part of the Podcasthon 2026 event! My charity for the event is The Children's Defense Fund, which envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.) 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:43 Judicious Giving Up 01:11 From Casework to Therapy 03:09 The Problem Behind Problem 04:58 Parenting Anxiety Example 06:57 Choosing Your Focus 11:27 Beyond One Size Fits All 14:44 Problems Recur Over Time 18:55 You Can’t Fix Kids 20:17 Values Then a Plan 24:02 Mindset Reframe and Wrap Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be Okay, I interview Brandy Jemczura of Columbus, Ohio, founder of Seeds of Caring, a nonprofit that connects children ages 2–12 (and some middle schoolers) with volunteer and activism opportunities to build empathy, kindness, and agency. We links service to anxiety support and resiliency, emphasizing four cornerstones: feeling lovable, capable, able to handle emotions, and developing a resilient self-concept. Brandy shares how Seeds of Caring grew from 285 child volunteer experiences in its first year to over 57,000 annually, now operating in Columbus and Indianapolis, and explains how programs use children’s literature, reflection, and hands-on projects to address tough topics without “othering,” using asset-framing language and reinforcing that everyone needs help sometimes. We discuss parent concerns, privilege, and how small actions can create hope and community impact. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:30 Action as Anxiety Relief 00:55 Resiliency Cornerstones 02:33 Volunteering Builds Regulation 04:38 Meet Brandy Gemchura 05:19 Seeds of Caring Origin Story 08:22 Scaling Up and Facing Fear 10:45 Why Ages Two to Twelve 14:00 What Two Year Olds Do 17:32 Culture of Caring Ripple Effects 19:37 Winning Over Nonprofit Partners 21:56 Talking Tough Topics With Kids 24:02 Hope for Overwhelmed Parents 25:22 Favorite Family Activities 25:44 Goldfish Fairness Lesson 27:43 From Empathy to Action 29:11 Avoiding Othering Language 32:07 Kids Growing With Service 35:09 Kindness Versus Nice 37:54 Privilege Into Next Steps 41:02 Helpers and Mental Health 43:56 Scaling to New Cities 45:17 Start Small Anywhere 46:58 Parents Modeling Kindness 49:24 Final Wrap and Resources Want to know more about Seeds of Caring? Of course you do! Who wouldn't?!? Check out their website here: SeedsofCaring.org You can find also find them on: Facebook: Columbus, IndianaInstagram: Columbus, IndianaLinkedinYouTube Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

In a timely episode (hey, I planned it that way!) I'm sharing my conversation with Frida Berrigan, a peace activist and author, who shares her experiences growing up with activist parents, navigating tensions between parenting and activism, and raising her own children. We discuss the importance of engaging in activism while maintaining joy, the struggle of balancing multiple responsibilities, and the impact of ordinary acts in making a difference. Frida also emphasizes the significance of moral cheerfulness and acting within our capacity to contribute to positive change. As you'll hear in the podcast, Frida grew up in a family of famous peace activists and she wrote about her experience and how it inspired her own parenting decisions in the book It Runs in the Family: On Being Raised by Radicals and Growing into Rebellious Motherhood. You can also read her essays at WagingNonViolence.org and I recommend you start with her wonderful essay, Nuclear Weapons Ruined My Life (And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way). 00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast 00:52 Introducing Frida Berrigan: Peace Activist and Author 01:20 Frida's Family and Activism Background 01:59 Parenting Through Activism 02:46 Interview with Frida Berrigan Begins 03:09 Frida's Children and Parenting Journey 05:51 Balancing Caregiving and Activism 07:27 Frida's Unique Upbringing and Education 18:30 Navigating Tensions and Choices in Activism 27:22 Parenting Decisions and Sharing Information 29:47 Taking Action with Kids 31:11 Impact of School Shootings 32:11 Helping Refugee Families 36:26 Balancing Effort and Outcome 41:54 The Role of Ordinary Acts 49:02 Moral Cheerfulness and Joy 53:38 Accepting Imperfection Thanks for listening! And, of course, it helps if you will share, rate, and subscribe so more people can learn about and from Frida Berrigan and the other wonderful guest I have coming up! 🧡 Takeaways: In our increasingly complex world, parenting anxious children requires a multifaceted approach that embraces both awareness and empathy.Frida Berrigan's life experiences illustrate the challenges of balancing activism with parenthood in a meaningful and impactful manner.The significance of moral cheerfulness amidst adversity is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of joy in the face of life's difficulties.Engaging with community and activism can provide children with invaluable lessons on compassion, empathy, and the importance of standing up for justice.Understanding that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement is essential for both parents and children alike.The podcast stresses that navigating the imperfections of life and parenting is a shared journey that requires patience and understanding. Links referenced in this episode: wagingnonviolence.org Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

n this episode of the Tell Me It Will Be OK podcast, we delve into the relationship between anxiety and depression, especially in children. Drawing from my personal experiences growing up with anxiety and depression, and my professional background in mental health, I discuss how these conditions often coexist and affect each other. We explore how children's anxiety can manifest as depression and consider theories and strategies for managing these intertwined mental health challenges. I also share insights on postpartum mood disorders, emphasizing the prevalence and impact of postpartum anxiety. Throughout the episode, I offer practical advice for parents to support their anxious children, encouraging a more neutral and accepting approach to their emotions and behaviors. Medication is briefly discussed as a potential aid, with a strong emphasis on the necessity of holistic care and support for the entire family. 00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast 00:16 Understanding Anxiety and Depression 01:10 Personal Experiences with Anxiety 02:33 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression 03:55 The Interplay of Anxiety and Depression 09:05 Parenting Anxious Kids 14:51 Medication and Support Systems 16:01 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com

Welcome to the very first episode of the TELL ME IT WILL BE OK podcast, which used to be the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast. In this episode, we explain the shift in focus from a Q&A format to a more flexible, topic-driven approach to address specific aspects of child anxiety. We delve into the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing and its impact on anxiety, discussing how to recognize these negative thought patterns and practical strategies to manage them. The episode also highlights the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing these issues and the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of anxiety and support your anxious child in an ever-demanding world. 00:00 Welcome to the New Podcast Format 00:15 Why the Change? 00:45 Introducing the New Focus 02:11 The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 06:08 Understanding Catastrophizing 07:22 Real-Life Examples and Coping Strategies 14:13 Parental Catastrophizing and Child Anxiety 18:37 Planning for Catastrophes 25:03 Final Thoughts and Future Topics Mentioned in this episode: TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice I invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com