The Peaceful Parenting Podcast Anxiety or power struggles? Coaching with Victoria and Alex: Episode 191
Apr 23, 2025
Dive into a coaching journey with a family tackling their daughter's anxiety through the worry brain method. Discover how anxiety intertwines with childhood experiences and the crucial role of the amygdala in emotional responses. Explore creative strategies for fostering independence while managing fears, from bedtime challenges to navigating play. Additionally, gain insights on balancing reassurance with resilience in children, all while empowering them to face their worries in an ever-changing world.
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Anxiety's Brain Basis
- Anxiety stems from a sensitive amygdala that mistakes discomfort for danger.
- Both nature (temperament) and nurture (parental accommodation) influence a child's anxiety levels.
Use 'Worry Brain' To Manage Anxiety
- Avoid providing reassurance when a child is anxious as it targets their thinking brain, which isn't engaged.
- Instead, help the child name and confront their "worry brain" as a separate character to manage anxiety.
Ignore Anxiety's Content Shifts
- Anxiety symptoms can shift to new worries if underlying anxiety remains unaddressed.
- It's more effective to treat anxiety as a general alarm, not fixating on specific worries or symptoms.