Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled Separation Anxiety, Meltdowns... The Solution Is Often in Our Face
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Jan 20, 2026 Discussing the intertwining emotions of parents and children, the host highlights how fear can amplify a child's anxiety. She explores separation anxiety, emphasizing that it's a natural phase of development. By encouraging emotional expression, children can build confidence. Instead of preventing meltdowns, observing and allowing feelings can aid in processing emotions. The importance of parental self-care is stressed, as it helps avoid reinforcing a child’s distress. Ultimately, being a calm anchor amidst emotional storms is key to effective support.
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Emotional Feedback Loops Between Parent And Child
- Children catch our feelings and we catch theirs, creating feedback loops that can keep problems going.
- Awareness that our discomfort contributes to a child's stuckness is the first step to change.
Parent Story: Hospital Birth Triggered Separation Worry
- A mother described her four-and-a-half-year-old's increased separation fear after she went to the hospital early to deliver a sibling.
- She recognized she panics when he scans for her face and feared reinforcing his anxiety.
Start By Noticing Your Contribution
- Become aware of how your feelings are contributing rather than blaming yourself for causing the issue.
- Ask, "How might I be contributing?" and use that awareness to take constructive action.