S2 - Episode 023: Bethany Payton on Helping Your Kids w/ Anxiety

Episode Description:

For those of us who have kids, there's not much that's worse than seeing our children struggle. It's particularly hard when our child is dealing with anxiety. While we may not have all the answers, it's critical that we come along side of them and help them know that they're not alone. In this episode of the podcast, I'm talking with my friend Bethany Payton, a clinical mental health counselor, on this very topic. We talk about the signs to look for in your child that may reveal that their anxious. We also address some ways you can help and encourage your kids.

Episode Insights:

The most common anxiety triggers for children are School and Home.

Peer Pressure
Academic Pressures
Lost/Death in Family
Trauma
Worries that aren't their own
Wanting to be the best for parents

Common symptoms of anxiety in children can be, but not limited to...

Nail biting
Frequent crying
Regression in sleeping
Independently
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Tummy aches
Clingy
Trembling
And much more.

Kids can develop anxiety at a young age.

As parents we need to have an awareness of our child's behaviors or changes in behavior

as well as the frequency of these behaviors.

If the frequency is high, then it's time to reach out to a counselor for help.

Episode Quotes:

We all get anxious, but it becomes a concern when it causes impairment. - Bethany Payton

The number one thing is to not be afraid to talk about it. Go there with your child, they need someone to talk about it with and you as their parent are their number one person. They know that you are there, and you're rooting for them so them feeling like they have someone in their corner goes so far. - Bethany Payton

Don't lose hope. Sometimes it feels like this journey has been going on for years and maybe literally it has. And so it feels like there's no end, that nothing we're trying is working. I would tell you don't give up, to be consistent. Because it is worth it and it is making a difference. - Bethany Payton

Episode Resources:

Resources for helping anxious children:

Screen-for-child-anxiety-PARENT

.pdf

PDF • 1.72MB

SCARED- Screen for child anxiety related disorders

Books/Workbooks:

A to Z Mindfulness: A coping skills coloring book for kids

What to Do When You Worry Too Much

Creative Coping Skills for Children: Emotional Support Through Arts and Craft Activites

Other Resources:

Empowerment Cards for kids (Amazon), My coping cards (Amazon), CBT 123- card game (Amazon), Videos: cosmic kids channel YouTube (mindfulness and fun yoga for kids), Going on a dragon hunt (YouTube) (mindfulness and yoga for kids), for younger children: Sesame Street: belly breathe with Elmo (YouTube), Sesame Street: count, breathe, relax (YouTube), Sesame Street: Zach Braff & Telly are anxious. Helpful free coping skill worksheets for anxiety: therapistaid.com.