PGK-Episode 157: Teaching Your Kids Not to Worry (with guest Joshua Straub)

Children don’t often know how to voice their worries, and they may even think the things they are worried about are silly or unimportant. Today’s guest, Dr. Josh Straub, along with his wife, Christi, co-wrote the children’s book, “What Do I Do With Worry?” as a way to help parents foster emotional awareness in their kids. Listen in and be equipped to help your kids deal with worry and anxiety in a positive way.

Dr. Meg & Guest Dr. Josh Straub (Part 1)

If a child doesn't have the language to express what they are worried about, it can manifest in ways that show up as disobedience, anger, fear, or in other ways. Experiencing this firsthand with their own children was a major reason why Dr. Josh felt compelled to write, “What Do I Do With Worry?” While many parents focus on addressing the outward manifestation of negative behaviors, Dr. Josh explains how they can dig deeper into their child’s heart to find out if their child may actually be feeling worried – while manifesting a different, negative behavior. The focus should be on the emotion that the child is experiencing, not just the behavior being exhibited.

Dr. Meg & Guest Dr. Josh Straub (Part 2)

As the conversation continues, Dr. Josh Straub explains the difference between worry and anxiety in children. What causes anxiety in kids? How can we best help our kids deal with anxiety? Dr. Josh uses examples from the book to teach parents how to connect with their children when it comes to dealing with anxious thoughts and behaviors: Talk about it. Label specific worries. Be grateful. In a very finite way, parents can help calm their children’s brains when they are worried or anxious, when they sit with them and listen to what they have to say.

FROM THE PRODUCER

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