Making Sense of Anxious Children: Easy Self-Paced Course that Brings Big Change

The Blog for Parenting Anxious Kids

Insights from a Fellow Parent and Child Psychiatrist

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CHILD'S ANXIETY TODAY

Authenticity in Parenting: The Balance Between Play and Self-Care

parenting play tired parenting Aug 10, 2024

Ah, the modern parent’s dilemma: to play or not to play?

We’re constantly bombarded with the notion that we must be perpetually engaged and playful with our children. Let’s face it, sometimes the thought of another round of hide-and-seek is about as appealing as doing your tax returns.

It’s perfectly normal not to feel like playing all the time. It’s okay to not be a human jungle gym 24/7.

Self-Compassion: The Unsung Hero

One of the pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered from my practice is the importance of self-compassion. Parents, especially those juggling ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, often push themselves to meet every perceived obligation. But being true to your authentic self will recharge you, allowing you to be genuinely playful when the time is right. Taking care of yourself so you can actually enjoy playing with your kids? Revolutionary, isn’t it? But hang on...this is not me giving you permission to jettison your parental obligations either. Balanc...

Top Parenting Books for Montessori Parents with Anxious Sensitive Kids

anxiety books montessori parenting Jul 20, 2024

As we journey through the world of parenting, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted territories. One such territory is understanding and supporting our anxious children. Anxiety can manifest in many ways and each child experiences it differently. It’s our role as parents to provide a safe, understanding, and nurturing environment for our children to thrive.

In this blog post, we will explore some valuable resources that can guide us in this journey. These books offer a wealth of knowledge from experts in child development, education, and psychology. They provide practical strategies, insights, and a deeper understanding of how to support our anxious children.

From the Montessori approach to positive discipline, these books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to our experiences as parents. Whether you’re new to parenting or have years of experience, these resources can provide fresh perspectives and effective strategies to help you support your chil

...

Society Gets the Criminals It Deserves: A Call for Change

child and adolescent mental health crime parenting Jul 17, 2024

Whilst the prospect may seem daunting, it is essential to confront the stark realities that we, and our children, are being steered towards - a world teeming with profound pain, tragedy, and horror. I may appear as a harbinger of doom, ceaselessly alerting about an imminent crisis. My concerns might be dismissed as hyperbole, but I am merely amplifying the sentiments of my spirit animal, Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne.

Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, a trailblazer in forensic science, astutely observed, “Justice withers, prison corrupts, and society gets the criminals it deserves.” This insightful statement, articulated over a century ago, echoes louder today. As we scrutinise our environment, it becomes clear that the social determinants of crime and mental illness are closely intertwined, and our current systems fall short in addressing these fundamental issues.

I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before the younger generation grapples with significant challenges.

...

Mini Eco-Warriors: Navigating Queries & Saving Planets

anxiety childhood worry night time worry parenting Jul 17, 2024

Ah, the joys of parenthood!

There you are, blissfully dreaming, when suddenly, you’re jolted awake by a little voice asking about the fate of the planet.

Lynsey G posed a great question: What do you say to kiddos with anxiety over concerns about the environment or similar global-scale problems, at 2 in the morning?

Here’s one approach you could test to handle those midnight queries with empathy, brevity, and a gentle nudge back to bed.

First, let’s validate those feelings. Even in your half-asleep state, it’s important to let your child know that it’s okay to be worried. “I can see you’re really concerned about the environment. It’s okay to feel that way. It shows you care a lot.”

At 2 AM, simplicity is key. You want to soothe and comfort without diving into a full-blown discussion. “There are many people working hard to take care of the Earth. Scientists, activists, and even kids like you are making a difference every day.”

Highlight the positive actions being taken to ad

...

7 Parenting Books for Anxious Kids : Recommended by a Child and Forensic Psychiatrist

anxiety management books for kids childhood anxiety emotional wellbeing parenting parenting strategies resilience Jul 05, 2024

As a child and forensic psychiatrist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of anxiety on our tamariki. Childhood anxiety isn’t some distant concept—it’s a real experience that affects millions of our kids (and even adults). It’s like a rising tide, threatening to engulf our whānau. From separation anxiety to those all-encompassing worries, these emotions can hold our little ones hostage.

Anxiety isn’t just a fancy word; it’s a lived reality for our tamariki. Recent studies show that approximately 1 in 8 children grapple with anxiety-related challenges. These feelings might show up as persistent worry, fear of specific situations, or even physical symptoms like puku aches and headaches. As parents, recognizing these signs early is our superpower.

Whānau like you are the kaitiaki of their child’s emotional landscape. Our responses and actions matter—they significantly shape how our kids perceive and manage anxiety. By fostering open communication, empathy, and

...

Making Sense of Anxious Kids

child anxiety course neurodiverse kids parenting Jun 23, 2024

Navigating the complexities of connecting with anxious and neuroatypical children can be challenging, especially during their emotional upheavals.

At times, we may find ourselves grappling with our own anxieties, questioning our capabilities to manage and alleviate their distress. Feelings of guilt may surface, making us feel inadequate in our parenting roles.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these doubts are unfounded. You are fully capable of handling these situations. The tools you need are already within you, they just require a bit of honing and polishing.

I’m excited to share that I’ve updated the self-paced audio course ‘Making Sense of Anxious Kids’, also known as the ‘Foundations of Emotional Connection’. This course is readily available on the Huddle Wisdom website.

To access the course, please visit: www.huddlewisdom.com/makingsenseofanxiouskids

Understanding Neurodiversity: A Parent’s Perspective

mental model neurodiversity parenting Jun 10, 2024

As parents, we often traverse the intricate landscape of child-rearing, equipped with a blend of instinct, generational wisdom, and expert guidance. However, when it comes to comprehending neurodiversity, it can feel as though we’re venturing into unknown terrain. This is primarily because neurodiversity, a relatively novel concept, challenges conventional perceptions of neurological development. It encourages us to shift our viewpoint from viewing certain neurological conditions as ‘disorders’ to recognising them as merely different ways of perceiving the world.

Understanding neurodiversity can be intimidating due to its extensive scope. It encompasses a broad range of neurological differences, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges. As parents, it’s vital for us to learn about these differences to support our children and advocate for them in various social environments like schools and local communities.

So, What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a concept

...

Fighting anxiety one step at a time: Graded Hierachies for Parents

anxiety connection mental health parenting Jun 06, 2024

As parents, our role in our children’s lives is multifaceted, but perhaps the most crucial aspect is the bond we share with them. This connection is the foundation upon which we can build resilience against anxiety. Today, we’re sharing the Graded Hierarchy Method, a step-by-step approach that is supercharged by the strength of your relationship with your child.

The Cornerstone of Trust:

Before diving into the method, it’s essential to understand that trust and security are the currency of any relationship, especially with your anxious child. Like money in the bank, these elements of connection ensure that you have the emotional credit to support your child through the costly process of fighting anxiety. Without a strong bond, you risk overdrafting on this account, leading to potential damage or conflict within your relationship.

Understanding Anxiety Triggers:

Identifying what sparks your child’s anxiety is the first step. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Fea

How concerned should I be about my children's mental health?

anxiety mental health parenting Jun 02, 2024

The Indispensable Role of Parents in Addressing Children’s Mental Health

Parents are not just caregivers; they are the pillars of support and the first line of defense in their children’s mental health. Their role is pivotal and multifaceted, and here’s why:

Early Intervention: Parents, being the closest to their children, are often the first to notice any changes in their child’s behavior or mood. They can detect and address mental health issues at an early stage, leading to more effective treatment. This early intervention can prevent conditions from escalating, making parents a crucial part of the solution.
Mitigating Long-term Impact: Childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual’s future. Mental health problems during childhood can lead to challenges in adulthood, including difficulties with relationships, education, and employment. By being vigilant about their children’s mental health, parents can help them avoid these long-term impacts,
...

Unraveling the Knots of Childhood Anxiety: A Guide for Parents

anxiety parenting May 05, 2024

Hello there, fellow parents, caregivers, and accidental web surfers who’ve stumbled upon this blog. I’m your friendly neighborhood psychiatrist, armed with a cup of lukewarm coffee and a keyboard that’s seen better days. Today, we’re going to delve into the world of childhood anxiety. Now, don’t panic! We’re in this together.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety in children is a bit like a monster under the bed. It’s often invisible, but it can cause a whole lot of chaos. It’s a normal part of growing up, but when it starts interfering with day-to-day life, it becomes a disorder.

Children with anxiety disorders often have emotional outbursts, show a lot of avoidance, and might try to escape or hide. They may also experience physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or sleep issues.

What Causes Anxiety in Children?

The main cause of childhood anxiety is as elusive as my coffee mug on a Monday morning. It’s thought that genetics,...

1 2 3

The Blog for Parenting Anxious Kids

Authenticity in Parenting: The Balance Between Play and Self-Care

Top Parenting Books for Montessori Parents with Anxious Sensitive Kids

Society Gets the Criminals It Deserves: A Call for Change

Mini Eco-Warriors: Navigating Queries & Saving Planets

7 Parenting Books for Anxious Kids : Recommended by a Child and Forensic Psychiatrist

Making Sense of Anxious Kids

Understanding Neurodiversity: A Parent’s Perspective

Fighting anxiety one step at a time: Graded Hierachies for Parents

How concerned should I be about my children's mental health?

Unraveling the Knots of Childhood Anxiety: A Guide for Parents

Meaningful Bonds for Lasting Influence

Struggling to communicate with your children?

Learn ways to support them even when words fail.