Helping Anxious Kids Thrive

So, the Surgeon General has declared parental stress an urgent public health issue. Shocking, right? Better not parent indoors or in lifts or on airplanes. Wait. Huh?

While the report does a decent job of highlighting the stressors modern parents face...I think the real culprits are: The erosion of empathy and connection, and our obsession with individuality. These factors in my humble soapbox opinion have created a perfect storm of stressors that make parenting feel like an extreme sport. Sorry RedBull...you've got nothing on modern parenting.

Here are those factors in succinct davin-esk paragraphs. Coz who has time to read these days?

The Rise of Individualism

You. Or is it me? Individuality. The modern world loves to celebrate it, often at the expense of communal support and empathy. Back in the day, child-rearing was a team effort. Remember the village? No; I can't either. 

Extended families and close-knit communities provided a robust support network. Fast...

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.

The Noodle Analogy

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)

• Concept: Warmth represents the comforting and soothing presence you provide.
• Application: When your child...