In this special episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes two brilliant minds in child psychology for an in-depth conversation about supporting anxious children and their families.
Join Dr. Chris McCurry, clinical child psychologist and author of "Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance," alongside Emma Waddington, clinician, author, and founder of Us Therapy, as they explore the vital role parents play in helping anxious children not just survive, but truly thrive.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How temperament shapes a child's anxiety and what parents should look for
- The powerful concept of "the anxiety dance" (ABC pattern) and how to re-choreograph unhelpful family patterns
- Practical strategies for supporting anxious children without falling into avoidance traps
- The importance of "coping out loud" and modeling emotional regulation for your children
- How to balance pushing your child to grow while honoring their temperament
- Why parents need to regulate themselves first and give themselves permission to take breaks
- Age-appropriate ways to discuss your own mental health challenges with your children
- The "gardener vs. carpenter" approach to parenting - helping children unfold rather than trying to mold them
Chris and Emma also share details about their new story-driven workbook series "Just In Case," designed to help children ages 8-12 learn acceptance and commitment therapy techniques through engaging narratives.
Whether you're parenting an anxious child, struggling with your own anxiety, or supporting families in your professional role, this conversation offers compassionate, evidence-based insights that will leave you feeling more empowered and hopeful.
Resources mentioned:
- "Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance" by Chris McCurry
- "Just In Case Sits With Anxiety" workbook series
- Life's Dirty Little Secrets podcast
More:
Upcoming books from Jessica Kingsley: https://us.jkp.com/collections/author-christopher-mccurry?_pos=1&_psq=McCurry&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Chris' website: https://chrismccurrychildpsychologist.com/
Emma's website: https://us-therapy.sg/
Connect with me:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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