Two Simple Strategies to Support Anxious Kids
welcome to Season 4!
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
on today’s episode…
In this episode of the Parenting IQ podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle discusses the alarming rise of anxiety among children. Let's talk about the importance of parental support and practical strategies for parents to help their children cope with anxiety, including regular emotional check-ins and daily praise
insights
Summary
In this episode of the Parenting IQ podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle discusses the alarming rise of anxiety among children, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares statistics indicating a significant increase in anxiety and depression diagnoses among kids. Dr. Cagle emphasizes the importance of parental support and offers practical strategies for parents to help their children cope with anxiety, including regular emotional check-ins and daily praise. She also highlights the role of biblical truths in combating negative thoughts and fostering a positive environment at home.
Takeaways
Anxiety in children has increased significantly since 2020.
Parents are also experiencing anxiety related to their children's mental health.
Regular emotional check-ins can help children express their feelings.
Praise and positive reinforcement are crucial for building children's confidence.
The world can be overwhelming; parents must provide a safe haven.
Biblical truths can help combat anxiety and negative thoughts.
Understanding the root causes of anxiety is essential for addressing it.
Connection with children is vital to reduce feelings of disconnection.
Parents should be aware of the unique challenges their children face today.
You are equipped to support your child through their struggles.
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there was a huge increase in the number of kids ages 3-17 diagnosed with mental health conditions between 2016 and 2020. In fact, the number of kids with anxiety grew by 29 percent and kids with depression by 27 percent. (https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/03/14/new-hhs-study-jama-pediatrics-shows-significant-increases-children-diagnosed-mental-health-conditions-2016-2020.html)
God’s Promises as Waves
What is it?
Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)
International Children’s Bible version: “Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life.”
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 12:34 that “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
In his book, Building a Non-Anxious Life”, Dr. John Delony gives the analogy of comparing anxiety to a smoke alarm in the kitchen going off, telling you that something is off.
In a 2022 article in The News Messenger, Dr. Delony wrote that “anxiety is a learned physical and mental response to a world full of threats and disconnection– real or not.” (https://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/2022/03/28/dr-john-delony-six-tips-how-deal-anxiety/7151118001/)
2 Practical Ways to Help Our Kids Fight Anxiety
Have Check Ins With Them– remember the head–heart–mouth triangle.
Praise them every day– fill their minds with compliments
If you want any of the links to any of the books or articles mentioned, head over to the show notes at drkellycagle.com.
Also, if you’d like a copy of God’s Promises as Waves for your children, those can be purchased on Amazon or, for a better price, at drkellycagle.com
HEY THERE! I’M DR. CAGLE… DO YOU NEED HELP WITH CREATING GREAT HABITS???
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
Healthy parenting is about seeing yourself as your child’s #1 teacher, saying the right words (or nothing at all) at the right time, and having the right tools to be intentional and impactful. Guessing your way through life, which is what most parents do, is a recipe for failure, but following the lead of someone who has two decades of research-based information and fully understands the demands of parenthood is a recipe for a full life— for you and your child.
With a PhD in education, I’m here to teach you how to use daily moments are learning opportunities so you raise confident and competent lifelong learners that thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, I offer workshops and keynotes on various topics to parents, educators, students, and business leaders— because the need to understand, support, and empower learners is everywhere..
