Expert Tips from a Child Psychiatrist
As we step into 2025, many of us are reflecting on how to better support the anxious children in our lives. One concept I find particularly helpful is what I call the "Threat Telescope."
Imagine your child is holding a telescope backwards. Just as this makes distant objects appear smaller, anxiety does the opposite – it magnifies potential threats while shrinking the view of resources, support, and coping abilities. Through this threat telescope:
- A class presentation becomes a guaranteed humiliation
- A playdate morphs into a minefield of social rejection
- A maths test transforms into a measure of their entire worth
- A new situation appears impossibly overwhelming
But here's what's crucial to understand: Each child's threat telescope is uniquely calibrated. Some children might find social situations particularly magnified, while others might zoom in on academic challenges or changes in routine. This is why a one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety support often falls short.
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