When most people think about anxiety, their immediate reaction is, "I just want it to go away." But here's an unpopular opinion: We don’t want anxiety to disappear entirely. The goal of anxiety therapy isn’t to eliminate anxiety, but rather to change your relationship with it.

When anxiety strikes, it's natural to want to understand its source. After all, if you can figure out why you're anxious, you might be able to solve the problem, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. In fact, focusing on the "why" can often do more harm than good. Here’s why understanding the cause of your anxiety may not be the answer you’re looking for.

As children grow, their emotions naturally become more complex, leading to what many refer to as "big feelings." These intense emotions are a normal part of development, but they can be challenging for both the child and the parent. Navigating these emotional waters while maintaining firm boundaries is crucial for your child's emotional and behavioral growth. Here’s how you can support your child through this journey.

As the summer days wind down and the back-to-school season approaches, it's common for both parents and children to experience a mix of excitement and apprehension. Whether your child is transitioning to a new grade, a new school, or simply adjusting to the routine after a break, back-to-school anxiety can manifest in various forms. However, with thoughtful preparation and support, you can help alleviate these anxieties and ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.

Confidence is a quality that shapes our children's futures, influencing their ability to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and forge meaningful relationships. As parents, fostering confidence in our children goes beyond mere encouragement—it involves equipping them with essential skills and providing the support they need to thrive. Here are some secret ways to boost your child's confidence, empowering them to conquer fears, problem-solve, and embrace independence.

As summer begins to wind down, many families find themselves facing a challenging transition. The carefree days of summer are slowly giving way to the structured routines of the school year, and for many children, this shift can bring about increased emotional dysregulation. The end of summer can be hard for parents, as they witness their children’s mood swings and stress levels rise. Understanding why this period can be particularly tough and having a solid plan to manage these challenges is crucial for both parental and child well-being.

In the journey of parenting, guiding a child through challenges is a fundamental task. One of the most prevalent challenges faced by children today is anxiety. Whether it stems from academic pressure, social dynamics, or personal expectations, anxiety can significantly impact a child's well-being and development. As parents, our role in navigating this terrain is crucial. Instead of viewing anxiety as a hindrance, we have the power to transform it into a tool for growth and resilience.

In today's interconnected world, comparison has become an unavoidable part of daily life. Social media, advertising, and societal pressures constantly bombard us with images of seemingly perfect lives, achievements, and appearances. While comparison can sometimes serve as motivation, more often than not, it acts as a messenger for anxiety, eroding our self-confidence and overwhelming us with messages of inadequacy. Understanding how to manage these comparison thought patterns is essential for reclaiming our sense of self-worth and fostering genuine confidence.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, anxiety can often feel like an unwelcome companion. It manifests in different forms—ranging from subtle unease to overwhelming panic—and navigating its complexities requires resilience and understanding. Resilience in managing anxiety isn't about eliminating it entirely; rather, it's about equipping ourselves with the tools and mindset to respond effectively.

Anxiety is a complex emotional experience that can impact individuals in profound and often subtle ways. It's more than just feeling nervous or stressed—it can manifest through various tricks that distort perception and heighten distress.

In the realm of anxiety management, our mindset plays a pivotal role in how we perceive and respond to challenges. Often, our default mode of thinking can either amplify our anxiety or empower us to navigate through it with resilience. This is where the shift from rigid to flexible thinking becomes not just beneficial, but transformative.

When you’re an anxious parent and recognize anxiety in your child it can feel like every step you take is a step in the wrong direction.

Navigating your child's anxiety can be a challenging path, but with the right approach, it can become a journey of growth and empowerment.

How getting stuck in the content keeps you anxious.

I hear it all the time, “but that thing makes me anxious,” or, “they can’t go there because that particular place triggers anxiety.” When you get stuck in the details of what’s making you anxious you miss the big picture and keep swirling in anxiety.

How approaching anxiety head on can be a game changer. Anxiety is rooted in avoidance. When anxiety get's the message of danger it’s initial reaction is to get out of that situation, and get out fast. Typically you may be then met with some level of relief. Phew, you escaped that danger, you won the battle. However, when you avoid your worry you do the opposite of winning.

Avoidance gives anxiety strength and power. It allows fear to gain momentum. Avoidance reinforces the message in your brain that whatever made you anxious was worth being anxious about. After that momentary relief dwindles away the worry always returns, and it returns stronger. Over time, repeated avoidance can lead to increased anxiety and immense difficulty in facing even the mildest of stressors.

So what can you do? How can you change this course? The answer is in feeling that anxiety and moving towards what makes you anxious anyway.