TELL ME IT WILL BE OK

In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be Okay, I interview Brandy Jemczura of Columbus, Ohio, founder of Seeds of Caring, a nonprofit that connects children ages 2–12 (and some middle schoolers) with volunteer and activism opportunities to build empathy, kindness, and agency. We links service to anxiety support and resiliency, emphasizing four cornerstones: feeling lovable, capable, able to handle emotions, and developing a resilient self-concept. Brandy shares how Seeds of Caring grew from 285 child volunteer experiences in its first year to over 57,000 annually, now operating in Columbus and Indianapolis, and explains how programs use children’s literature, reflection, and hands-on projects to address tough topics without “othering,” using asset-framing language and reinforcing that everyone needs help sometimes. We discuss parent concerns, privilege, and how small actions can create hope and community impact. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:30 Action as Anxiety Relief00:55 Resiliency Cornerstones02:33 Volunteering Builds Regulation04:38 Meet Brandy Gemchura05:19 Seeds of Caring Origin Story08:22 Scaling Up and Facing Fear10:45 Why Ages Two to Twelve14:00 What Two Year Olds Do17:32 Culture of Caring Ripple Effects19:37 Winning Over Nonprofit Partners21:56 Talking Tough Topics With Kids24:02 Hope for Overwhelmed Parents25:22 Favorite Family Activities25:44 Goldfish Fairness Lesson27:43 From Empathy to Action29:11 Avoiding Othering Language32:07 Kids Growing With Service35:09 Kindness Versus Nice37:54 Privilege Into Next Steps41:02 Helpers and Mental Health43:56 Scaling to New Cities45:17 Start Small Anywhere46:58 Parents Modeling Kindness49:24 Final Wrap and ResourcesWant to know more about Seeds of Caring? Of course you do! Who wouldn't?!? Check out their website here: SeedsofCaring.orgYou can find also find them on:Facebook: Columbus, IndianaInstagram: Columbus, IndianaLinkedinYouTube

In a timely episode (hey, I planned it that way!) I'm sharing my conversation with Frida Berrigan, a peace activist and author, who shares her experiences growing up with activist parents, navigating tensions between parenting and activism, and raising her own children. We discuss the importance of engaging in activism while maintaining joy, the struggle of balancing multiple responsibilities, and the impact of ordinary acts in making a difference. Frida also emphasizes the significance of moral cheerfulness and acting within our capacity to contribute to positive change.As you'll hear in the podcast, Frida grew up in a family of famous peace activists and she wrote about her experience and how it inspired her own parenting decisions in the book It Runs in the Family: On Being Raised by Radicals and Growing into Rebellious Motherhood. You can also read her essays at WagingNonViolence.org and I recommend you start with her wonderful essay, Nuclear Weapons Ruined My Life (And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way).00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast00:52 Introducing Frida Berrigan: Peace Activist and Author01:20 Frida's Family and Activism Background01:59 Parenting Through Activism02:46 Interview with Frida Berrigan Begins03:09 Frida's Children and Parenting Journey05:51 Balancing Caregiving and Activism07:27 Frida's Unique Upbringing and Education18:30 Navigating Tensions and Choices in Activism27:22 Parenting Decisions and Sharing Information29:47 Taking Action with Kids31:11 Impact of School Shootings32:11 Helping Refugee Families36:26 Balancing Effort and Outcome41:54 The Role of Ordinary Acts49:02 Moral Cheerfulness and Joy53:38 Accepting ImperfectionThanks for listening! And, of course, it helps if you will share, rate, and subscribe so more people can learn about and from Frida Berrigan and the other wonderful guest I have coming up! 🧡Takeaways:In our increasingly complex world, parenting anxious children requires a multifaceted approach that embraces both awareness and empathy.Frida Berrigan's life experiences illustrate the challenges of balancing activism with parenthood in a meaningful and impactful manner.The significance of moral cheerfulness amidst adversity is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of joy in the face of life's difficulties.Engaging with community and activism can provide children with invaluable lessons on compassion, empathy, and the importance of standing up for justice.Understanding that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement is essential for both parents and children alike.The podcast stresses that navigating the imperfections of life and parenting is a shared journey that requires patience and understanding.Links referenced in this episode:wagingnonviolence.org

n this episode of the Tell Me It Will Be OK podcast, we delve into the relationship between anxiety and depression, especially in children. Drawing from my personal experiences growing up with anxiety and depression, and my professional background in mental health, I discuss how these conditions often coexist and affect each other. We explore how children's anxiety can manifest as depression and consider theories and strategies for managing these intertwined mental health challenges. I also share insights on postpartum mood disorders, emphasizing the prevalence and impact of postpartum anxiety. Throughout the episode, I offer practical advice for parents to support their anxious children, encouraging a more neutral and accepting approach to their emotions and behaviors. Medication is briefly discussed as a potential aid, with a strong emphasis on the necessity of holistic care and support for the entire family.00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast00:16 Understanding Anxiety and Depression01:10 Personal Experiences with Anxiety02:33 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression03:55 The Interplay of Anxiety and Depression09:05 Parenting Anxious Kids14:51 Medication and Support Systems16:01 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Welcome to the very first episode of the TELL ME IT WILL BE OK podcast, which used to be the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast. In this episode, we explain the shift in focus from a Q&A format to a more flexible, topic-driven approach to address specific aspects of child anxiety. We delve into the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing and its impact on anxiety, discussing how to recognize these negative thought patterns and practical strategies to manage them. The episode also highlights the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing these issues and the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of anxiety and support your anxious child in an ever-demanding world.00:00 Welcome to the New Podcast Format00:15 Why the Change?00:45 Introducing the New Focus02:11 The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy06:08 Understanding Catastrophizing07:22 Real-Life Examples and Coping Strategies14:13 Parental Catastrophizing and Child Anxiety18:37 Planning for Catastrophes25:03 Final Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, I address a common concern from parents: whether to tell their children they have anxiety. I explain the importance of giving children the language to describe their feelings and emphasizes that anxiety is a normal part of being human. I highlights that labeling anxiety can empower children rather than limit them, and encourage parents to focus on coping strategies and overcoming avoidance behaviors. I also discuss the potential benefits of diagnosis and how it can help children better understand their experiences. Ultimately, I reassure parents to support their children in navigating their feelings while fostering resilience and courage.00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:25 Should You Tell Your Child About Their Anxiety?00:57 Understanding Anxiety: A Common Human Experience02:01 Talking to Your Child About Anxiety04:52 The Real Issue: Avoidance, Not Anxiety07:06 The Importance of Labels and Diagnoses10:13 Empowering Your Child Despite Anxiety12:44 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast!. In this episode, I address a listener's query about the relationship between perfectionism and child anxiety. Highlighting real-life examples and the challenges parents face in recognizing anxious perfectionism, I emphasize the importance of identifying avoidance behaviors and maintaining a balanced approach to children's achievements. I also discuss how perfectionism can manifest in different aspects of a child's life, from academics to eating habits, and provides guidance on how families can address these issues.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:25 Understanding Perfectionism and Child Anxiety03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Perfectionism in Children04:46 Real-Life Examples and Parental Challenges06:41 Identifying Anxious Perfectionism09:39 Perfectionism in Daily Life and Eating Habits12:00 Conclusion and Further Support

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about whether to step in and help a child calm down or focus on teaching distress tolerance. Dawn explains how child anxiety leads to avoidance, not just of feared objects or situations, but also of the discomforting feelings themselves. She discusses strategies to help children tolerate these feelings, providing real-world examples. Additionally, Dawn examines how a parent's own anxiety can fuel their child's anxiety and shares various methods families can use to manage these challenging situations. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing feelings rather than immediately striving for calm.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:43 Understanding Child Anxiety and Avoidance01:39 Practical Example: Dealing with Fear of Spiders03:18 Teaching Distress Tolerance06:05 Parental Anxiety and Its Impact08:09 Strategies for Managing Meltdowns10:46 Creating an Exposure Plan11:31 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, who has over three decades of experience working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the widespread anxiety caused by unprecedented times and political upheaval, particularly since the Trump administration. She shares her experiences as a progressive therapist serving diverse clients and discusses the impact of societal issues on personal anxiety, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Dawn offers practical advice on managing news consumption, setting priorities, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to societal issues without overwhelming oneself. She encourages listeners to focus on maintaining strong relationships with their children and recognizes the long-term challenges and emotional toll of these times.00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:33 Addressing General Anxiety in Unprecedented Times01:15 Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health03:49 Body Image and Anxiety During Political Turmoil06:07 Navigating Anxiety in the Current Political Landscape11:01 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Staying Informed14:15 Balancing Personal Well-being and Civic Responsibility22:37 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, we've got a listener's question about handling backsliding in anxious children. I emphasize that backsliding is a natural part of managing anxiety, particularly during times of increased stress, such as the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. I explain that children with anxious brains are more prone to see negativity and potential disaster, and learning to manage anxiety is an ongoing process. I discuss various scenarios that may trigger backsliding and advise parents to reframe it as an opportunity to reinforce coping skills rather than viewing it as a regression. I also highlight the importance of supporting children through these periods and being kind to both the child and oneself. I encourage listeners to consider the context of their child's backsliding and offers guidance on how to navigate these challenging times.00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:29 Understanding Backsliding in Anxious Children04:46 Reframing Backsliding as Progress05:28 Common Triggers for Backsliding06:56 Managing Expectations and Support08:45 Handling Stressful Situations and Behaviors10:32 Consistency and Flexibility in Parenting12:28 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, an expert with over 30 years of experience in working with children and families. In this episode, Dawn addresses the question, 'How can I help my anxious child build distressed tolerance skills?' She explains the concept of distress tolerance skills, emphasizing their importance in coping with anxiety. Using relatable examples, Dawn provides practical strategies for parents to help their children tolerate anxiety and distress. She underscores the importance of acknowledging small successes and gradually building these skills, highlighting that growth in managing distress is a gradual process. Dawn also discusses the challenges parents face, including their own distress, and offers understanding and support for both children and parents on this journey. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and explore additional resources available on the Open Book Parenting website.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:40 Understanding Distress Tolerance Skills02:35 Practical Examples of Distress Tolerance06:39 Building Distress Tolerance in Children13:41 Managing Parental Irritability14:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Taking a Summer Break and Future PlansHi everyone and welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast. My name is Dawn Friedman, and I've spent over three decades working with children and families in various roles. In this episode, instead of answering questions, I explain why I'm taking a break for the summer and discuss my future plans. I'll be busy with increased speaking engagements and working on a book proposal titled 'Tell Me It Will Be Okay,' focusing on supporting anxious children. On a personal note, my daughter is moving back home to start college, and we'll be navigating the challenges of living together again. For continued learning, I recommend subscribing to my newsletter right here: https://openbookparenting.kit.com/497c86cec7I'll be back with the podcast in September, and I hope you have a great summer!00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast00:35 Why I'm Taking a Summer Break00:58 Summer Plans and Speaking Engagements01:56 Book Proposal: Tell Me It Will Be Okay03:28 Personal Update: My Daughter's Move05:15 Navigating Parenting Pitfalls14:48 Returning in September: Stay Connected

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, hosted by Dawn Friedman, a seasoned expert in child and family support with over 30 years of experience. In this episode, Dawn addresses a common concern from parents: what to do when their anxious child is upset, especially when the goal is not to make them feel better immediately. Dawn explains the importance of helping children face their fears gradually through exposure plans, and highlights the value of teaching children to tolerate discomfort. The episode offers practical strategies, such as modeling calm behavior and validating the child's feelings without agreeing with their fears, to help children develop skills to manage anxiety. Dawn emphasizes the role of parents in supporting and guiding their children through anxiety-provoking situations, making it clear that holding space for their child's learning and growth is crucial. Listeners are invited to submit their questions for future episodes through Dawn's website, OpenBookParenting.com.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:30 Understanding Your Role in Managing Child Anxiety00:47 Creating an Exposure Plan01:44 Practical Examples of Exposure Techniques04:54 Validating Your Child's Feelings06:00 Teaching Anxiety Management Skills08:32 Role Modeling and Supporting Your Child11:05 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

In this episode, Dawn Friedman, an experienced child anxiety expert, answers a listener's question about how to involve siblings in the management of a child's anxiety. Dawn discusses the impact of family dynamics on siblings, the importance of recognizing and addressing parenting pitfalls, and strategies to ensure that non-anxious siblings receive the attention and support they need. She emphasizes the significance of understanding each child's unique needs and offers practical advice such as taking her Parenting Pitfalls Quiz to gain insights into family patterns. The episode highlights the balance between supporting an anxious child and maintaining a healthy environment for all siblings.00:00 Introduction and Host Background00:32 Understanding Sibling Involvement in Anxiety01:50 Identifying Family Patterns and Pitfalls03:44 Addressing Guilt and Insight04:21 Practical Steps to Support Siblings06:14 Reflecting on Personal Experiences06:53 Case Study: Joan's Family09:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement10:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we address a common concern among families—distinguishing between a child's anxiety and personal preferences. We explore how to identify if a child's behavior is driven by anxiety or simply a lack of interest in certain activities. Tune in to gain insights on this important topic and learn strategies to better understand your child's needs. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to my podcast for more valuable content!Takeaways: Understanding the distinction between a child's anxiety and their preferences is crucial. Avoidance behaviors in children may indicate anxiety, requiring careful observation and support. Encouraging children to experiment with their fears can help differentiate anxiety from preference. Social anxiety often overlaps with introversion, necessitating nuanced approaches for understanding children's behaviors. Parents should consider their child's interests and motivations when addressing anxiety-related issues. Regular engagement in anxiety-provoking situations can enhance a child's coping skills and resilience. Links referenced in this episode:childanxietysupport.com/podcast

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about the use of reward charts for anxious children. Dawn shares her extensive experience working with families and discusses the complexities of using rewards and charts. She explains her flexible stance on rewards, noting the potential pitfalls, such as children focusing on rewards rather than the process. Dawn also highlights the importance of celebrating family efforts and accomplishments holistically. For more insights and to post your own questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:29 Thoughts on Reward Charts for Anxious Children02:09 The Problem with Rewards03:21 Effective Use of Charts and Celebrations04:25 Implementing a Family Plan06:56 Focusing on Family Behavior10:06 Conclusion and SupportMentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses a listener's question about why a child's progress in therapy can seem to wear off over time. Dawn explains that anxiety in children is often reinforced by family patterns, termed 'Parenting Pitfalls', which unknowingly support avoidance behaviors. She discusses the importance of continuous practice and parental involvement in managing anxiety and reinforces that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process. Listeners are encouraged to revisit therapy if needed and to apply the skills learned consistently across different contexts and developmental stages. For submitting questions, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com/podcast.00:00 Introduction to the Child Anxiety Fact Podcast00:28 Listener Question: Why Did Therapy Stop Working?01:21 The Role of Parents in Managing Child Anxiety01:40 Understanding Anxiety Patterns and Accommodations04:29 Therapy Success and the Need for Continuous Effort07:25 Practical Tips for Parents to Support Anxious Children10:46 Conclusion and How to Submit Your QuestionsMentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ podcast, Dawn Friedman addresses how to encourage children to become more independent in managing their anxiety. Dawn emphasizes the importance of self-education on child anxiety, modeling coping strategies, practicing these strategies with your child, and consistently offering encouragement. She also discusses allowing children to make their own choices and decisions, even if it involves experiencing failure. Dawn shares personal anecdotes and insights on guiding children to be resilient and independent in managing their anxiety. Listeners are invited to submit their questions on her social media or website.00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast00:37 Encouraging Independence in Anxious Children01:32 Educating Yourself on Child Anxiety02:12 Modeling Anxiety Management03:08 Practicing Coping Tools with Your Child04:12 Encouraging and Supporting Your Child05:45 Letting Go and Trusting Your Child's Journey07:17 Personal Anecdotes and Final Thoughts09:10 How to Submit Your QuestionsMentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

In this episode, I get personal and share lessons and reflections from my own parenting experiences—specifically, what I wish I’d done differently with my anxious child. Parenting is a wild ride; full of challenges, growth, and yes, some regrets, too. But don’t worry! We don't dwell there. Instead, we use these reflections as stepping stones towards understanding and doing better.So, if you're feeling a little lost or just need some reassurance that you aren't in this alone, you've come to the right place. Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with my latest episodes, and if you find the discussion helpful, please take a moment to rate the podcast. Your feedback helps me reach more parents who are navigating the world of child anxiety.Come on over to childanxietysupport.com if you’ve got more questions or to learn more about how we can work together. Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast with Dawn Friedman, where listeners' questions about child and teen anxiety are answered by a seasoned child anxiety expert. In this episode, Dawn discusses what to do if you've pushed your anxious child too far, illustrated through a common scenario featuring 'Joan,' a 10-year-old with school refusal. Dawn explains how the family's efforts to manage anxiety may unintentionally exacerbate it by creating restrictive routines. Instead of focusing solely on conflict points like the morning routine, Dawn advises examining broader family dynamics to identify and untangle various 'Parenting Pitfalls.' If you have a question about child anxiety, visit ChildAnxietySupport.com to submit your inquiry for future episodes.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT

Welcome to "The Child Anxiety FAQ" podcast, where we dive deep into the everyday challenges and questions that parents face when dealing with child and teen anxiety. I'm Dawn Friedman, and with over 30 years of experience working with kids and families, I'm here to offer practical advice and support. In each episode, I aim to tackle the questions you're losing sleep over, like how to differentiate between healthy coping crying and when your child might be overwhelmed or in distress. This episode references episode 120: What does healthy coping with child anxiety look like? If you like what you hear and find it helpful, please subscribe to "The Child Anxiety FAQ" wherever you get your podcasts. And while you’re at it, rate and review the show—I appreciate your feedback and it helps other anxious parents find us. Let's figure this out together and create a supportive community where we remind each other: you’re not alone on this journey. Thanks for listening, and I look forward to being part of your support team!Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for Resiliency Sprint at a discount!My signature course, Resiliency Sprint, is available at a discount JUST for podcast listeners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Head to my site to learn all about this 4-week program to build greater confidence and competence in your anxious child and then sign up with code PODCAST to get 50% off the coached and un-coached versions! RESILIENCY SPRINT