Monday, September 09, 2024
Monday, September 09, 2024
Monday, September 09, 2024
Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!" These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.
Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Anxiety in Children
Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!"
These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.
When a child’s feelings are dismissed or minimised, they may learn to suppress their emotions, leading to unresolved trauma that manifests as anxiety later in life.
How Dismissed Emotions Lead to Long-Term Anxiety
Imagine being a child, confused and overwhelmed by emotions, but unable to express them because the adults in your life are telling you it’s not a big deal.
Over time, this can lead to a deep sense of disconnection and mistrust.
The child may start to believe that their feelings don't matter, or worse, that there's something wrong with them for having those feelings.
This internalised emotional neglect can cause anxiety to fester and grow, often unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue.
Recognising Trauma Beyond the Obvious: A Broader Perspective
In my recent interview with Terraine Brown at the Overcoming Trauma Virtual Summit, we discussed the profound connection between trauma and anxiety in children.
One of the most eye-opening revelations was how trauma isn't always recognized by parents, simply because their definition of trauma is too narrow.
For example, a parent might think that unless their child has faced something as extreme as physical abuse or a life-threatening event, they haven't experienced trauma.
However, trauma can also stem from less obvious sources, such as repeated emotional dismissal or feeling powerless in their environment.
The Role of Emotional Literacy in Preventing Childhood Anxiety
We also explored how a lack of emotional literacy contributes to this issue.
Many parents don't realise the importance of addressing their child's emotional needs because they were never taught how to understand and manage their own emotions.
As a result, parents may inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of emotional neglect, leading their child down a path of persistent anxiety and even mental health disorders.
Developing Emotional Competence: A Path to Healing
The good news is that this cycle can be broken.
During the interview, we delved into practical strategies that parents can use to better understand and support their child's emotional needs. One key approach is developing what I describe as "emotional competence."
Unlike emotional intelligence, which might imply a fixed trait, emotional competence is a skill that can be learned and refined over time.
By becoming emotionally competent, parents can create a safe space for their children to express and process their emotions, leading to healthier emotional development and a reduction in anxiety.
Moving From Reactivity to Presence: Parenting with Awareness
We also discussed how important it is for parents to be mindful of their own emotional state and behaviours.
By moving from a reactive, fear-based mindset to one of openness and presence, parents can model healthy emotional processing for their children.
This shift not only helps in addressing current anxiety issues but also prevents the development of disordered anxiety in the future.
Take the Next Step in Supporting Your Child
To fully grasp these concepts and learn how to apply them in your parenting, I invite you to watch the full interview with Terraine Brown.
It's packed with insights and actionable advice that could make a world of difference for you and your child.
👉 Watch the full interview here.
Ready to start helping your child with trauma or anxiety?
Get access to our Free on demand class to learn more and know what you can do to start helping your child today! CLICK HERE to learn more.
Take the next step today towards understanding and healing your child’s trauma and anxiety. Together, we can make a difference.
Monday, February 03, 2025
"Stay calm. Take deep breaths." If you have a sensitive child who frequently has intense anxiety spirals, you’ve heard all this advice a million times. However, the more calm you are, the more hysterical your child gets. I’ve been there – as both the parent, and the child. It is not a positive experience for anyone. So let’s change the script.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Your child's bright, creative spirit used to light up the room. But lately, that light seems dimmed by a dark cloud of anxiety. You see their internal struggle unfold daily through meltdowns, school refusal, and overwhelming fears. Behind their worried eyes lies a sensitive soul yearning to break free, and as their parent, watching their pain is almost unbearable.
Monday, September 09, 2024
Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!" These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.
Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Anxiety in Children
Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!"
These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.
When a child’s feelings are dismissed or minimised, they may learn to suppress their emotions, leading to unresolved trauma that manifests as anxiety later in life.
How Dismissed Emotions Lead to Long-Term Anxiety
Imagine being a child, confused and overwhelmed by emotions, but unable to express them because the adults in your life are telling you it’s not a big deal.
Over time, this can lead to a deep sense of disconnection and mistrust.
The child may start to believe that their feelings don't matter, or worse, that there's something wrong with them for having those feelings.
This internalised emotional neglect can cause anxiety to fester and grow, often unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue.
Recognising Trauma Beyond the Obvious: A Broader Perspective
In my recent interview with Terraine Brown at the Overcoming Trauma Virtual Summit, we discussed the profound connection between trauma and anxiety in children.
One of the most eye-opening revelations was how trauma isn't always recognized by parents, simply because their definition of trauma is too narrow.
For example, a parent might think that unless their child has faced something as extreme as physical abuse or a life-threatening event, they haven't experienced trauma.
However, trauma can also stem from less obvious sources, such as repeated emotional dismissal or feeling powerless in their environment.
The Role of Emotional Literacy in Preventing Childhood Anxiety
We also explored how a lack of emotional literacy contributes to this issue.
Many parents don't realise the importance of addressing their child's emotional needs because they were never taught how to understand and manage their own emotions.
As a result, parents may inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of emotional neglect, leading their child down a path of persistent anxiety and even mental health disorders.
Developing Emotional Competence: A Path to Healing
The good news is that this cycle can be broken.
During the interview, we delved into practical strategies that parents can use to better understand and support their child's emotional needs. One key approach is developing what I describe as "emotional competence."
Unlike emotional intelligence, which might imply a fixed trait, emotional competence is a skill that can be learned and refined over time.
By becoming emotionally competent, parents can create a safe space for their children to express and process their emotions, leading to healthier emotional development and a reduction in anxiety.
Moving From Reactivity to Presence: Parenting with Awareness
We also discussed how important it is for parents to be mindful of their own emotional state and behaviours.
By moving from a reactive, fear-based mindset to one of openness and presence, parents can model healthy emotional processing for their children.
This shift not only helps in addressing current anxiety issues but also prevents the development of disordered anxiety in the future.
Take the Next Step in Supporting Your Child
To fully grasp these concepts and learn how to apply them in your parenting, I invite you to watch the full interview with Terraine Brown.
It's packed with insights and actionable advice that could make a world of difference for you and your child.
👉 Watch the full interview here.
Ready to start helping your child with trauma or anxiety?
Get access to our Free on demand class to learn more and know what you can do to start helping your child today! CLICK HERE to learn more.
Take the next step today towards understanding and healing your child’s trauma and anxiety. Together, we can make a difference.
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Monday, February 03, 2025
"Stay calm. Take deep breaths." If you have a sensitive child who frequently has intense anxiety spirals, you’ve heard all this advice a million times. However, the more calm you are, the more hysterical your child gets. I’ve been there – as both the parent, and the child. It is not a positive experience for anyone. So let’s change the script.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Your child's bright, creative spirit used to light up the room. But lately, that light seems dimmed by a dark cloud of anxiety. You see their internal struggle unfold daily through meltdowns, school refusal, and overwhelming fears. Behind their worried eyes lies a sensitive soul yearning to break free, and as their parent, watching their pain is almost unbearable.
Monday, September 09, 2024
Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!" These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.
I’ll show you just how possible it is
to reduce your child’s anxiety starting TODAY!
Have access to our proven techniques that have helped countless parents calm their anxious child.
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