Copy_Managing Anxiety in a New Year of New Challenges

HAPPY 2022! Can you believe we’re still* talking about (and dealing with) this $@#% pandemic?!?

As we transition from a year full of ups and down into one full of unknowns, many folks are experiencing high levels of anxiety (raises hand). And this is by no means limited to adults. Kids and teens are right there with us.

The hardest part for me has been getting my hopes up, making plans, looking forward to the future…only to be sucked back into a new wave of quarantines and testing, and the accompanying stress and fear. For parents, the challenge has been and continues to be — how do I manage my own anxiety while also helping my kids cope with theirs? Sometimes it feels like the blind leading the blind.

I was once again privileged to participate in a conversation sponsored by Responsibility.org, this time featuring Lynn Lyons. Lynn is a therapist, anxiety expert, and co-host of the best-named podcast ever, Fluster Clux. The show offers worried and anxious parents tips on managing their family’s mental health.

Lynn had some great insight on helping kids to not just cope during stressful times, but thrive. She listed four emotional management skills we can help develop in our kids — which are also helpful to us grownups, too.