The Power of Validation - Communication That Transforms - This episode focuses on the critical role of validation in communicating with anxious children

Dr. Tan explains how dismissing a child's fears can worsen their anxiety and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their feelings

Validation acts as a "bridge" to help anxious children move towards coping strategies

The episode provides examples of how to validate a child's feelings by using phrases such as "It sounds like you're really worried" instead of dismissing their fears

It also introduces the "Feel and Deal" approach, which involves validating the emotion first, then working on coping strategies together.

The key takeaway is that validation creates emotional safety, which is necessary for children to face their fears

Course: Making sense of anxious kids

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Understanding Your Anxious Child's Mind - This episode introduces the concept of anxiety as an oversensitive "smoke alarm" in children, creating a "threat telescope" effect where minor issues seem overwhelming

Dr. Tan emphasizes that anxious children aren't being difficult; they are responding to a world that feels genuinely threatening

He also discusses how anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical complaints, avoidance, and irritability

The episode highlights the importance of understanding what is happening in a child's mind to better support them

It encourages parents to shift their perspective from "What's wrong?" to "What feels unsafe right now?"

Course: Making Sense of Anxious Kids

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The information provided in these podcast episode descriptions is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any concerns about a child's mental health.

The podcast series, "Making Sense of Anxious Kids," aims to help parents better understand and support their anxious children. Dr. Davin Tan, a child psychiatrist, shares insights and strategies based on his experience working with families The series covers topics such as understanding the anxious mind, effective communication techniques, and building resilience

Making Sense of Anxious Kids

Join Dr. Davin Tan as he delves into why some kids exhibit challenging behaviours and how we can better support them. He discusses:

• Misconceptions about "misbehavior" and the importance of understanding root causes.

• The "problem of fit" and how demands on children can exceed their coping abilities.

• Becoming a behaviour detective using the "ABC" method.

• The role of temperament in children's behaviour.

• Creating a supportive environment with empathy and understanding.

• Long-term strategies to help kids manage their emotions.

For more strategies, check out Dr. Tan's course MAKING SENSE OF ANXIOUS KIDS self paced audio course "www.huddlewisdom.com/makingsenseofanxiouskids"