02/21/2023
*The Power of Parents*
As parents, we have the biggest impact. Even with big anxiety feelings, the way we handle our tween and teen’s BIG feelings are teachable moments. Are we showing our teens to run away from anxiety ( because it’s too overwhelming to experience for us and for them)? Or are we showing our teens that anxiety is just a feeling that comes and goes throughout our lives and it can be dealt with?
Our teenagers are learning from us. Let’s provide our teens with the right perspective and tools.
*The Power of Parents*
Aviva-
The temptation to lift our kiddos out of the way of anxiety can be spectacular. Here's the rub though - avoidance has a powerful way of teaching them that the only way to feel safe is to avoid. This makes sense, but it can shrink their world.
We also don't want to go the other way, and meet their anxiety by telling them there's nothing to worry about. They won't believe it anyway. The option is to ride the wave with them. Breathe, be still, and stay in the moment so they can find their way there too.
This is hard - an anxious brain will haul them into the future and try to buddy them up with plenty of 'what-ifs' - the raging fuel for anxiety. Let them know you get it, that you see them, and that you know they can do this. They won't buy it straight away, and that's okay. The brain learns from experience, so the more they are brave, the more they are brave - and we know they are brave.