Wednesday, 27 July 2016 12:11

How to Calm Your Anxious Child

It's estimated that 30 percent of all kids will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their young lives.
We live in a fast-paced, anxious world. It's estimated that 30 percent of all kids will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their young lives.

As a parent, you naturally want to protect your child. Oftentimes parents will walk on eggshells around kids so as not to trigger anxious moments.

However, Dr. Kathleen Trainor, founder of the TRAINOR Center, says it's important for your child to push through the anxiety. He or she needs to face fears when the fears are "irrational."

A certain amount of anxiety is normal. We all feel nervous when trying new things or when faced with new situations. But, when the anxiety causes avoidance or severe emotional reactions, it's time to take a closer look at what's going on.

Dr. Trainor often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based approach that involves changing the way you think and setting behavioral goals. This tactic has been shown to change the brain's function.

There are other factors you can look at to address anxiety as well, including exercise, a well-balanced diet, and proper sleep.

If you're a parent with an anxious child, don't blame yourself. Learn more about anxiety disorders. Help your child set goals to push through anxious situations.

Listen in as Dr. Trainor joins Andrea and Lisa to share tips for helping to calm your anxious child.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 2
  • Audio File: naturally_savvy/1630ns3b.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Kathleen Trainor, PsyD
  • Book Title: Calming Your Anxious Child: Words to Say and Things to Do
  • Guest Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/trainorcenter
  • Guest Twitter Account: @trainorcenter
  • Guest Bio: Kathleet-TrainorDr. Kathleen Trainor, founder of the TRAINOR Center, has treated children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and other mental health challenges for more than 30 years. Her practice focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and applies the latest in evidence-based approaches tailored to meet each child’s needs. Along with her staff of specialized therapists and licensed social workers, Dr. Trainor helps guide parents so they can support her treatment approach, which features her 7-Step TRAINOR Method.

    A senior Psychologist on the staff of the Child Psychiatry Clinic at world renowned Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Trainor has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; she has been on the faculty of Harvard Medical School for more than 15 years. In addition, she frequently writes and speaks about topical parenting issues. Her long-awaited book on this program, Calming Your Anxious Child: Words to Say and Things to Do, will be published in Spring 2016. As the mother of three, Dr. Trainor draws on her parental experience to enhance her practice.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: Yes
  • Internal Notes: repeat guest
  • Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH