Expert Tips from a Child Psychiatrist
As parents, we often seek the best ways to support our children, especially when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. Traditional methods like the “compliment sandwich”—where criticism is sandwiched between two compliments—can sometimes feel forced and ineffective. Okay, hear me out: let’s think “noodles, not sandwiches.” This simple yet powerful analogy can transform how we encourage and bolster our children’s self-esteem and connect with them on a deeper level.
Imagine your child as a raw noodle—firm and crunchy, full of potential but needing the right conditions to thrive. With time, warmth, and the right ingredients, that noodle can transform into something amazing. Here’s how each core element of the noodle analogy can help you support and connect with your anxious child:
Water (Warmth)
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...
I wanted to share one of my favourite tips for helping kids talk about emotions (using an empathic approach). And you actually don't have to do a heap of talking yourself! Jump in and check it out now!
To be influential, building a connection is essential. Trust is the foundation of any productive relationship, and it's impossible to exert influence without it. However, as parents, this can be a challenging hurdle to overcome.
We've lost touch with our innate ability to connect with others, perhaps because it requires us to let our guard down and become vulnerable. But to be authentic and genuine, we must find a way to break down these barriers and build bridges with the people around us.
This is especially true with our children. They need to feel heard and seen, and it's up to us to create that connection. We must apply unconditional positive regard and be reflective instead of reactive. Listening is key, and we must make an effort to suspend any apprehensions we may have.
In this video, we'll explore key ideas to help you build meaningful connections and increase your influence.
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