In this episode, licensed professional counselor Sissy Goff discusses the prevalence and impact of anxiety in parents and children, especially during and after the pandemic. She explores factors contributing to anxiety, such as technology and overwhelming parenting information, and provides practical techniques for managing anxiety and supporting anxious children. The episode emphasizes the importance of parents seeking counseling and self-care to prevent the spread of anxiety to their children.
Anxiety in parents can spread to their children, making it crucial for parents to prioritize their mental health through counseling or medication.
Understanding how anxiety impacts us across different time frames can help us refocus on the present and break free from anxiety's stronghold.
Deep dives
Anxiety has an amazing ability to spread
Anxiety has a significant impact on parents and children, as it has the ability to spread throughout the family system. Parents who struggle with anxiety are more likely to have children who also experience anxiety. The spread of anxiety can be biological and environmental, with factors like technology and social media contributing to increased anxiety levels. It is crucial for parents to take care of their own mental health and seek counseling or medication if necessary, as this can positively impact their children's mental well-being.
Anxiety resides in all time frames
Anxiety affects us in various dimensions of time - past, present, and future. It tends to define our past by causing overanalysis and holding onto negative experiences. In the present, anxiety distracts us from fully engaging with our children and enjoying the present moment. Furthermore, anxiety creates fear and worry about the future, leading to excessive forecasting of negative outcomes. Understanding how anxiety impacts us across different time frames can help us refocus our attention on the present and break free from anxiety's stronghold.
The reason you worry about your kids shows your dedication as a parent
Parents who worry and experience anxiety do so because they genuinely care about their children's well-being. It is important not to view anxiety as a sign of inadequacy, but rather as a reflection of a deep commitment to being a good parent. Recognizing that worry stems from a place of love and concern can help parents reframe their anxiety and approach it with self-compassion. By acknowledging their dedication and embracing self-care, parents can better support their children's mental health.
Practical strategies for managing anxiety in the moment
When faced with overwhelming anxiety, there are practical strategies that parents can employ to find calm and regain control. Deep breathing is a powerful tool for resetting the brain and reducing anxiety. Taking three deep breaths can help redirect blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and emotional management. Engaging the five senses through grounding exercises, such as noticing five things you see, four things you hear, three things you feel, two things you smell, and one thing you taste, can help bring parents back to the present moment. Additionally, finding a supportive mantra or positive affirmation can provide a calming anchor during stressful moments, reinforcing a sense of self-belief and competence.
Whether or not you have a long history with worry like I do, I know you are going to love today's episode with licensed professional counselor, Sissy Goff. For full show notes, including takeaways, please visit https://3in30podcast.com/310-sissy-goff
Episode Sponsors:
K12: Go to K12.com/3IN30 today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you.
BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use the code 3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy!
Self-Assured Motherhood Program: If you are interested in being notified when my Self-Assured Motherhood program opens for enrollment in the fall, text the word SAM (which stands for self-assured motherhood) to 33777. That's SAM to 33777.
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