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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

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

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, I address a common concern from parents: whether to tell their children they have anxiety. I explain the importance of giving children the language to describe their feelings and emphasizes that anxiety is a normal part of being human. I highlights that labeling anxiety can empower children rather than limit them, and encourage parents to focus on coping strategies and overcoming avoidance behaviors. I also discuss the potential benefits of diagnosis and how it can help children better understand their experiences. Ultimately, I reassure parents to support their children in navigating their feelings while fostering resilience and courage. 00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:25 Should You Tell Your Child About Their Anxiety? 00:57 Understanding Anxiety: A Common Human Experience 02:01 Talking to Your Child About Anxiety 04:52 The Real Issue: Avoidance, Not Anxiety 07:06 The Importance of Labels and Diagnoses 10:13 Empowering Your Child Despite Anxiety 12:44 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast!. In this episode, I address a listener's query about the relationship between perfectionism and child anxiety. Highlighting real-life examples and the challenges parents face in recognizing anxious perfectionism, I emphasize the importance of identifying avoidance behaviors and maintaining a balanced approach to children's achievements. I also discuss how perfectionism can manifest in different aspects of a child's life, from academics to eating habits, and provides guidance on how families can address these issues. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:25 Understanding Perfectionism and Child Anxiety 03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Perfectionism in Children 04:46 Real-Life Examples and Parental Challenges 06:41 Identifying Anxious Perfectionism 09:39 Perfectionism in Daily Life and Eating Habits 12:00 Conclusion and Further Support

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about whether to step in and help a child calm down or focus on teaching distress tolerance. Dawn explains how child anxiety leads to avoidance, not just of feared objects or situations, but also of the discomforting feelings themselves. She discusses strategies to help children tolerate these feelings, providing real-world examples. Additionally, Dawn examines how a parent's own anxiety can fuel their child's anxiety and shares various methods families can use to manage these challenging situations. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing feelings rather than immediately striving for calm. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:43 Understanding Child Anxiety and Avoidance 01:39 Practical Example: Dealing with Fear of Spiders 03:18 Teaching Distress Tolerance 06:05 Parental Anxiety and Its Impact 08:09 Strategies for Managing Meltdowns 10:46 Creating an Exposure Plan 11:31 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, who has over three decades of experience working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the widespread anxiety caused by unprecedented times and political upheaval, particularly since the Trump administration. She shares her experiences as a progressive therapist serving diverse clients and discusses the impact of societal issues on personal anxiety, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Dawn offers practical advice on managing news consumption, setting priorities, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to societal issues without overwhelming oneself. She encourages listeners to focus on maintaining strong relationships with their children and recognizes the long-term challenges and emotional toll of these times. 00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:33 Addressing General Anxiety in Unprecedented Times 01:15 Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health 03:49 Body Image and Anxiety During Political Turmoil 06:07 Navigating Anxiety in the Current Political Landscape 11:01 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Staying Informed 14:15 Balancing Personal Well-being and Civic Responsibility 22:37 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, we've got a listener's question about handling backsliding in anxious children. I emphasize that backsliding is a natural part of managing anxiety, particularly during times of increased stress, such as the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. I explain that children with anxious brains are more prone to see negativity and potential disaster, and learning to manage anxiety is an ongoing process. I discuss various scenarios that may trigger backsliding and advise parents to reframe it as an opportunity to reinforce coping skills rather than viewing it as a regression. I also highlight the importance of supporting children through these periods and being kind to both the child and oneself. I encourage listeners to consider the context of their child's backsliding and offers guidance on how to navigate these challenging times. 00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:29 Understanding Backsliding in Anxious Children 04:46 Reframing Backsliding as Progress 05:28 Common Triggers for Backsliding 06:56 Managing Expectations and Support 08:45 Handling Stressful Situations and Behaviors 10:32 Consistency and Flexibility in Parenting 12:28 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, an expert with over 30 years of experience in working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the question, 'How can I help my anxious child build distressed tolerance skills?' She explains the concept of distress tolerance skills, emphasizing their importance in coping with anxiety. Using relatable examples, Dawn provides practical strategies for parents to help their children tolerate anxiety and distress. She underscores the importance of acknowledging small successes and gradually building these skills, highlighting that growth in managing distress is a gradual process. Dawn also discusses the challenges parents face, including their own distress, and offers understanding and support for both children and parents on this journey. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and explore additional resources available on the Open Book Parenting website. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:40 Understanding Distress Tolerance Skills 02:35 Practical Examples of Distress Tolerance 06:39 Building Distress Tolerance in Children 13:41 Managing Parental Irritability 14:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Taking a Summer Break and Future Plans Hi everyone and welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast. My name is Dawn Friedman, and I've spent over three decades working with children and families in various roles. In this episode, instead of answering questions, I explain why I'm taking a break for the summer and discuss my future plans. I'll be busy with increased speaking engagements and working on a book proposal titled 'Tell Me It Will Be Okay,' focusing on supporting anxious children. On a personal note, my daughter is moving back home to start college, and we'll be navigating the challenges of living together again. For continued learning, I recommend subscribing to my newsletter right here: https://openbookparenting.kit.com/497c86cec7 I'll be back with the podcast in September, and I hope you have a great summer! 00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast 00:35 Why I'm Taking a Summer Break 00:58 Summer Plans and Speaking Engagements 01:56 Book Proposal: Tell Me It Will Be Okay 03:28 Personal Update: My Daughter's Move 05:15 Navigating Parenting Pitfalls 14:48 Returning in September: Stay Connected

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, a seasoned expert in child and family support with over 30 years of experience. In this episode, Dawn addresses a common concern from parents: what to do when their anxious child is upset, especially when the goal is not to make them feel better immediately. Dawn explains the importance of helping children face their fears gradually through exposure plans, and highlights the value of teaching children to tolerate discomfort. The episode offers practical strategies, such as modeling calm behavior and validating the child's feelings without agreeing with their fears, to help children develop skills to manage anxiety. Dawn emphasizes the role of parents in supporting and guiding their children through anxiety-provoking situations, making it clear that holding space for their child's learning and growth is crucial. Listeners are invited to submit their questions for future episodes through Dawn's website, OpenBookParenting.com. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:30 Understanding Your Role in Managing Child Anxiety 00:47 Creating an Exposure Plan 01:44 Practical Examples of Exposure Techniques 04:54 Validating Your Child's Feelings 06:00 Teaching Anxiety Management Skills 08:32 Role Modeling and Supporting Your Child 11:05 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

In this episode, Dawn Friedman, an experienced child anxiety expert, answers a listener's question about how to involve siblings in the management of a child's anxiety. Dawn discusses the impact of family dynamics on siblings, the importance of recognizing and addressing parenting pitfalls, and strategies to ensure that non-anxious siblings receive the attention and support they need. She emphasizes the significance of understanding each child's unique needs and offers practical advice such as taking her Parenting Pitfalls Quiz to gain insights into family patterns. The episode highlights the balance between supporting an anxious child and maintaining a healthy environment for all siblings. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:32 Understanding Sibling Involvement in Anxiety 01:50 Identifying Family Patterns and Pitfalls 03:44 Addressing Guilt and Insight 04:21 Practical Steps to Support Siblings 06:14 Reflecting on Personal Experiences 06:53 Case Study: Joan's Family 09:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 10:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we address a common concern among families—distinguishing between a child's anxiety and personal preferences. We explore how to identify if a child's behavior is driven by anxiety or simply a lack of interest in certain activities. Tune in to gain insights on this important topic and learn strategies to better understand your child's needs. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to my podcast for more valuable content! Takeaways: Understanding the distinction between a child's anxiety and their preferences is crucial. Avoidance behaviors in children may indicate anxiety, requiring careful observation and support. Encouraging children to experiment with their fears can help differentiate anxiety from preference. Social anxiety often overlaps with introversion, necessitating nuanced approaches for understanding children's behaviors. Parents should consider their child's interests and motivations when addressing anxiety-related issues. Regular engagement in anxiety-provoking situations can enhance a child's coping skills and resilience. Links referenced in this episode: childanxietysupport.com/podcast

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about the use of reward charts for anxious children. Dawn shares her extensive experience working with families and discusses the complexities of using rewards and charts. She explains her flexible stance on rewards, noting the potential pitfalls, such as children focusing on rewards rather than the process. Dawn also highlights the importance of celebrating family efforts and accomplishments holistically. For more insights and to post your own questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:29 Thoughts on Reward Charts for Anxious Children 02:09 The Problem with Rewards 03:21 Effective Use of Charts and Celebrations 04:25 Implementing a Family Plan 06:56 Focusing on Family Behavior 10:06 Conclusion and Support Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount! My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about why a child's progress in therapy can seem to wear off over time. Dawn explains that anxiety in children is often reinforced by family patterns, termed 'Parenting Pitfalls', which unknowingly support avoidance behaviors. She discusses the importance of continuous practice and parental involvement in managing anxiety and reinforces that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process. Listeners are encouraged to revisit therapy if needed and to apply the skills learned consistently across different contexts and developmental stages. For submitting questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast. 00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast 00:28 Listener Question: Why Did Therapy Stop Working? 01:21 The Role of Parents in Managing Child Anxiety 01:40 Understanding Anxiety Patterns and Accommodations 04:29 Therapy Success and the Need for Continuous Effort 07:25 Practical Tips for Parents to Support Anxious Children 10:46 Conclusion and How to Submit Your Questions Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount! My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses how to encourage children to become more independent in managing their anxiety. Dawn emphasizes the importance of self-education on child anxiety, modeling coping strategies, practicing these strategies with your child, and consistently offering encouragement. She also discusses allowing children to make their own choices and decisions, even if it involves experiencing failure. Dawn shares personal anecdotes and insights on guiding children to be resilient and independent in managing their anxiety. Listeners are invited to submit their questions on her social media or website. 00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast 00:37 Encouraging Independence in Anxious Children 01:32 Educating Yourself on Child Anxiety 02:12 Modeling Anxiety Management 03:08 Practicing Coping Tools with Your Child 04:12 Encouraging and Supporting Your Child 05:45 Letting Go and Trusting Your Child's Journey 07:17 Personal Anecdotes and Final Thoughts 09:10 How to Submit Your Questions Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount! My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT