Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed clinical psychologist and PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) expert. The trio dives into the complexities of parenting and the anxiety that often accompanies it. They discuss effective strategies for managing children's emotions, building strong parent-child connections, and the importance of emotional regulation for both parents and children.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to PCIT and its significance for parents and children
2. The challenges parents face regarding anxiety and behavioral issues in children
3. Techniques for fostering a nurturing relationship between parents and children
4. Emotional regulation skills that can help parents manage their own anxiety and stress
5. The importance of positive reinforcement and effective communication strategies

Notable Quotes:

1. "Your connection with your child and your acceptance of your child is the most important thing you can have." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale
2. "It's not like I take my kids out in public and they're perfect." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale
3. "If you give I tell parents it's like a giant multivitamin of attention." - Dr. Leah Clionsky

Timestamps:

1. [00:00:08] Introduction by Cali Werner
2. [00:01:10] Episode guest introduction - Dr. Leah Clionsky
3. [00:02:52] Discussion of PCIT and its application
4. [00:05:14] Defining anxiety in children and its impact on parenting
5. [00:10:15] Discussion of techniques for managing anxious moments as parents
6. [00:20:51] Importance of emotional regulation for parents
7. [00:40:25] Building labeled praises and reflecting with children
8. [00:52:00] Closing thoughts on the significance of connection in parenting

Relevant Resources:

1. Thriving Child Center – Dr. Leah Clionsky's clinic specializing in PCIT.
2. Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Resources - Learn more about PCIT and its benefits.

Call to Action:

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Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Elizabeth McIngvale and special guest, Dr. Ivy Ruths, dive deep into the nuanced and often challenging landscape of childhood anxiety. They draw from personal experiences and clinical insights to discuss the importance of acknowledging and addressing anxiety in both children and parents. The episode emphasizes the necessity to foster resilience and self-efficacy in children while also providing parents with the tools to navigate their own anxieties as they support their kids.

Main Topics Discussed:

1. The rise of anxiety among children and how it affects families.
2. Signs of anxiety in children, including both physical symptoms (like stomachaches) and cognitive distortions (like fear of failure).
3. The pitfalls parents often fall into when managing their children’s anxiety.
4. Strategies for teaching children healthy coping mechanisms and encouraging them to 'do hard things.'
5. The necessity of validating feelings while preparing children for real-world challenges.

Key Insights:

1. It's vital to allow children to experience and work through anxiety to build resilience rather than shielding them from it.
2. Conversations about feelings—both positive and negative—should be normalized within families to help children articulate and manage their emotions.
3. Children are not fragile; they have the capacity to tolerate and learn from discomfort if guided correctly.
4. Each child's experience with anxiety is unique, and parents should adapt their approach accordingly.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We want kids to feel they can do hard things." – Elizabeth McIngvale
2. "It’s okay to feel anxious and still be present with what you're doing." – Dr. Ivy Ruths
3. "When in doubt, seek help. It’s better to seek it too early than too late." – Elizabeth McIngvale

Timestamps for Significant Segments:

1. [00:00:00] – Introduction to Episode
2. [00:01:30] – Discussing the rise of anxiety in children
3. [00:10:00] – Identifying signs of anxiety in children
4. [00:22:00] – Strategies for parents to help their children cope with anxiety
5. [00:40:30] – The importance of open conversations about feelings
6. [01:02:00] – Closing remarks and calls to action

Relevant Resources:

1. Visit the Anxiety Society website:

Miniseries dropping Tuesday, January 20th!

As we embark upon this miniseries, we will delve into the intricacies of navigating anxiety during the Back to School season. This series is meticulously designed to resonate with students, athletes, and families who often confront the heightened pressures that accompany this time of year. We will explore an array of pertinent topics, including parenting styles, procrastination, and the many manifestations of anxiety in students, athletes, and parents. We will address pressures faced in academic and athletic environments, offering insights on how to provide support for independence and confidence. If you find yourself or a loved one grappling with these challenges, you are not alone! Join us to find out more!