Meghan Barlow’s final presentation in our parenting series, “Stressed Out About Anxiety,” occurred on November 6, 2024.

In this session, Barlow talked about what anxiety is, how it can impact children and what parents can do to help their child. Barlow noted that even though children will try to get a guarantee from the parent that a bad/scary thing won’t happen, parents should avoid giving reassurance or a guarantee that bad or scary things won’t happen. Rather, parents should focus on reassuring their child that if something bad were to happen that they will be able to get through it and can deal with it.

Parents should always focus on HOW they can cope with the discomfort, rather than avoid it. Consider reinforcing messages of capability, resourcefulness, bravery, and resilience.