Ep. #119: Say More: Raising Resilient Kids in Anxious Times w/ Sissy Goff
Jun 25, 2024
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Therapist Sissy Goff shares her journey, discusses childhood influences, and how parents impact children's anxiety. They explore the significance of self-awareness, mirror neurons in parenting, Enneagram type one experience, and building better relationships.
Teaching kids self-regulation aids in managing anxiety and promotes success.
Active listening, open-ended questioning, and diverse perspective-seeking enhance effective conversations.
Fostering empathy, curiosity, and understanding leads to deeper connections and authentic relationships.
Deep dives
Importance of Teaching Kids Self-Regulation
Teaching kids how to regulate themselves sets them up for success as they navigate anxiety, a prevalent condition today. Parents' ability to regulate themselves influences their children's emotional reactions, emphasizing the need for adults to model healthy coping mechanisms.
Focusing on Others in Conversations
Effective conversations involve being others-focused, utilizing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and seeking diverse perspectives. Engaging with curiosity and understanding different viewpoints enriches communication and enhances relational depth.
The Impact of Listening and Asking Questions
Listening attentively, asking insightful questions, and seeking to understand varied perspectives contribute to fostering meaningful connections. Developing empathy and curiosity promotes deeper interactions and nurtures genuine relationships.
Encouraging Courage and Self-Reflection
Encouraging courage and self-reflection in children involves role modeling and nurturing emotional openness. Creating a safe space for kids to express themselves and building resilience through shared experiences fosters personal growth and relational strength.
Incorporating Faith and Self-Compassion
Integrating faith into personal growth journeys can provide a sense of purpose and healing. Embracing self-compassion, trusting intuition, and seeking emotional balance reflect a holistic approach to self-awareness and fostering empathy.
“How does our anxiety impact our kids?” In this episode of the Say More series on the art of conversation, Jesse and Lindsey begin by exploring how an other-focused approach in conversations can deepen connection and empathy. Then, Jesse sits down with Sissy Goff, Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries and a leading voice on childhood anxiety. Sissy shares how family dynamics and parental anxieties directly shape children’s emotional health and resilience. She offers practical insights on managing your own anxiety to model calmness for your kids, along with strategies for helping them navigate their fears. With humor and warmth, Sissy highlights why curiosity and connection are key to combating anxiety within the family. The episode wraps up with actionable advice for parents looking to break generational cycles of anxiety and raise resilient, confident kids.