How to Help Kids Face Fear and Build Resilience

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon who talked about how the death of his son led him to face his panic attacks over public speaking. In this episode, he covers: - What parents can learn from doctors about staying calm in a crisis - Why anxiety can run in families — and what parents can do about it - How parents can help kids face their fears - How to encourage to kids to take risks while still keeping them safe - How to talk to kids about grief and loss Key takeaways ·      To try and figure out if your child’s anxiety is problematic, consider the frequency, intensity, duration, and level of impairment. ·      Facing your fears is about being able to ride the discomfort. It doesn’t necessarily mean you feel comfortable. ·      Encouraging your child to try something scary by taking a small step can help them push themselves to try hard things. ·      If you're experiencing loss and you're sad, it’s important to label that and let your kid know it's okay for them to feel those emotions.   Further reading Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected Treating Anxiety in Kids by Working With Parents Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them