Episode 135

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Published on:

15th Sep 2025

What should I do if my anxious child backslides?

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 Podcast

00:29 Understanding Backsliding in Anxious Children

04:46 Reframing Backsliding as Progress

05:28 Common Triggers for Backsliding

06:56 Managing Expectations and Support

08:45 Handling Stressful Situations and Behaviors

10:32 Consistency and Flexibility in Parenting

12:28 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

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About the Podcast

The Child Anxiety FAQ
Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety? Are you looking for practical, easy-to-implement advice to help them navigate through their fears and worries? Welcome to The Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, the essential weekly podcast for parents seeking expert guidance on managing anxiety in their children.

Each week, Dawn Friedman MSEd -- a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience—answers listener questions about child and teen anxiety. Whether it's understanding the root causes, learning effective communication strategies, or finding the best ways to support your anxious child, this podcast provides you with succinct, deep, and practical answers to your pressing questions.

Why Listen to The Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast?

🌟 Expertise You Can Trust: With a rich background as a preschool teacher, parent educator, family case manager, clinical counselor, and now as the owner of Child Anxiety Support, Dawn has dedicated her career to supporting little kids, big kids, teens, and their parents. Her insights are grounded in years of hands-on experience and evidence-based practices, ensuring you receive advice you can rely on.

🌟 Convenience for Busy Parents: Each episode is designed to fit seamlessly into your hectic life. Lasting just ten to fifteen minutes, you can easily listen during a school pick-up, while making dinner, or whenever you have a small pocket of time. No long lectures—just concise, actionable guidance you can start using right away.

🌟 Real Questions, Real Solutions: This isn't just any podcast. It's a community-driven resource where your questions take center stage. Listeners submit their most pressing concerns about child and teen anxiety, and each week, I provide thoughtful, detailed responses. You’ll hear valuable tips and strategies that directly address your specific challenges, making each episode highly relevant and immediately useful.

🌟 Compassionate and Relatable: Parenting an anxious child can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dawn's approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. She aims to create a supportive space where you feel understood and empowered to make positive changes in your child's life.

What You’ll Learn:

Effective Communication Techniques: Discover how to talk to your anxious child without making things worse and learn the right words to alleviate their fears.

Anxiety Management Tools: Get practical strategies for helping your child manage their anxiety.

Parenting Tips for Anxious Kids: Learn how to create a supportive home environment and practice parenting methods that reduce anxiety.

Handling Specific Situations: Find out how to address common anxiety triggers such as school, social situations, sleep issues, and more.

Subscribe to The Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference in your child's life. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

About your host

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Dawn Friedman