Ep. 234: Empowering parents to understand and navigate childhood anxiety with Dr. Stephen Whiteside

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished board-certified clinical psychologist and director of pediatric anxiety disorders at Mayo Clinic, explore the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Whiteside stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis and provides practical tips for parents navigating childhood anxiety. They emphasize the idea of managing rather than eliminating your child’s anxiety, because it's a normal part of life. The conversation also delves into exposure therapy, explaining how repetitive practice in confronting anxiety can boost confidence and reduce its impact.

Dr. Whiteside emphasizes how parents can take an active role in how their children deal with anxiety in a therapeutic setting and participate in post-practice discussions to reinforce learning and instill confidence. This unique approach ensures that both the child and the parent can handle anxiety-inducing situations at home independently.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the signs and symptoms of childhood anxiety to provide better support for your child.
• Learn about effective treatment options for childhood anxiety and OCD.
• Explore the benefits of exposure therapy in helping children cope with anxiety.
• Gain insight into identifying different anxiety disorders in children to better understand their struggles.
• Discover valuable parental guidance on how to support and empower your child through their anxiety.
• Explore practical strategies for managing school bullying anxiety to help your child thrive in challenging situations.

Listen Now for Expert Advice on Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

Today’s Guest

Stephen P. H. Whiteside, Ph.D., is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Mayo Clinic, and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program there. With a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky, he's dedicated to enhancing access to evidence-based care for pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD. Whiteside, the author of "Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach: A Parent’s Guide to Treating Childhood Anxiety and OCD," has secured research funding from notable institutions like the National Institutes of Health and has published over 80 scientific articles, including co-authored books on exposure therapy.

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