Anxious parenting and family cycles

Today we’re talking about anxiety—how it shows up in families, how it affects our kids’ growing independence, and what we can do to keep worry from running the show. My guest, Lynn Lyons, is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and leading voice in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens, and adults. In our conversation, Lynn and I unpack the dynamics of anxiety within families—what happens as kids begin asserting independence, how parents can best support their social and emotional growth, and how to notice when our own habits might be feeding the cycle. She offers practical, compassionate strategies for shifting from worry to courage and for helping both our kids and ourselves move through anxiety with more confidence and calm.

About Lynn Lyons

Lynn Lyons is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in Concord, New Hampshire. She has been in private practice for 35 years specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children.

She is a sought after expert, appearing in the New York Times, Time, NPR, Psychology Today, Good Morning America, Today Show and other media outlets. Lynn is a featured expert in the 2023 documentary Anxious Nation.

With a special interest in breaking the generational cycle of worry in families, Lynn is the author/coauthor of several books and articles on anxiety, including Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous & Independent Children, and the companion book for kids, Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids. Her latest book for adults and teenagers, The Anxiety Audit was released October ’22.

Lynn is the co-host of the popular podcast Flusterclux.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How anxiety can take on a powerful “cult leader” role within families, influencing thoughts and behaviors

• Why parents often unknowingly bargain with anxiety in early childhood to maintain calm or control

• How growing social pressures and the shift toward independence can heighten anxiety for both parents and kids

• Why changes in sleep, participation, and social engagement may signal deeper anxiety concerns

• How the loss of parental control during adolescence can trigger its own layer of worry and stress

• Why understanding these family dynamics is essential for effectively supporting children’s mental health

Resources mentioned

• Lynn Lyons’ website

• Flusterclux podcast

• Lynn on Instagram

• Anxiety Disruptor series on the Flusterclux Podcast

• Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children by Lynn Lyons & Reid Wilson

• The Anxiety Audit: Seven Sneaky Ways Anxiety Takes Hold and How to Escape Them by Lynn Lyons

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices