1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:03,640 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:09,200 Speaker 2: What if the tears, stomach aches, or sudden mood swings 3 00:00:09,280 --> 00:00:12,360 Speaker 2: your child is experiencing right now aren't just back to 4 00:00:12,400 --> 00:00:17,639 Speaker 2: school nerves, but signs of anxiety their brain doesn't yet 5 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:21,160 Speaker 2: know how to process. As backpacks are packed and school 6 00:00:21,200 --> 00:00:25,960 Speaker 2: doors reopen, many families are quietly navigating a surge of stress, fear, 7 00:00:26,160 --> 00:00:29,560 Speaker 2: and emotional overwhelm. Your child may not have the words 8 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:33,640 Speaker 2: to explain what they're feeling, but their behavior is speaking loudly. 9 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:37,720 Speaker 2: And if you've ever felt unsure how to respond, wondered 10 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:41,000 Speaker 2: whether to push them forward or pull them close, or 11 00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:45,400 Speaker 2: questioned if you're helping or accidentally making it worse, You're 12 00:00:45,400 --> 00:00:49,519 Speaker 2: not alone. In today's episode, we're uncovering what's really happening 13 00:00:49,560 --> 00:00:53,360 Speaker 2: beneath the surface of back to school anxiety and equipping 14 00:00:53,400 --> 00:00:57,640 Speaker 2: you with both the neuroscience and the scripture based truth 15 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:00,880 Speaker 2: that you need to help your child move forward from 16 00:01:00,920 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 2: fear to peace and from overwhelm to confidence. Welcome to 17 00:01:05,560 --> 00:01:08,520 Speaker 2: your hope filled perspective, where it's always our goal to 18 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:12,679 Speaker 2: restore hope, renew minds, and empower listeners to live in 19 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:15,959 Speaker 2: your God given identity. I'm your host, doctor Michelle Bankson 20 00:01:16,120 --> 00:01:21,480 Speaker 2: Board certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, speaker, and companion in your 21 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:25,840 Speaker 2: journey to mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. I'm delighted you've 22 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:28,080 Speaker 2: chosen to spend a few minutes of your week with us. 23 00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:30,800 Speaker 2: Today we're going to be talking about an important topic. 24 00:01:30,920 --> 00:01:34,080 Speaker 2: We're going to be discussing how can I help my 25 00:01:34,319 --> 00:01:39,280 Speaker 2: child overcome back to school anxiety without making it worse. 26 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:42,600 Speaker 2: We'll dive into that right after this brief word from 27 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:43,200 Speaker 2: our sponsor. 28 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:49,760 Speaker 1: Welcome back to your Hope Field perspective, where we offer hope, 29 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:54,680 Speaker 1: encouragement and practical, science backed and biblically based strategies for 30 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:58,200 Speaker 1: life's challenges. If you've been asking yourself, why is my 31 00:01:58,320 --> 00:02:01,640 Speaker 1: child so anxious about going back to school? Or how 32 00:02:01,680 --> 00:02:05,080 Speaker 1: can I help my child manage school anxiety without making 33 00:02:05,120 --> 00:02:09,600 Speaker 1: it worse? You are not alone. Back To school anxiety 34 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:13,600 Speaker 1: in kids is more common than many parents realize, showing 35 00:02:13,720 --> 00:02:19,720 Speaker 1: up as tears, resistance, physical complaints, and even sudden behavioral changes. 36 00:02:20,120 --> 00:02:23,480 Speaker 1: But what if those reactions aren't defiant? What if there's 37 00:02:23,560 --> 00:02:28,560 Speaker 1: signals from a child's brain overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. 38 00:02:28,919 --> 00:02:32,200 Speaker 1: In today's episode, we're diving into the real cause of 39 00:02:32,240 --> 00:02:36,760 Speaker 1: school anxiety, what's happening in your child's brain, and practical 40 00:02:36,880 --> 00:02:40,239 Speaker 1: faith based strategies you can use to help your child 41 00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:44,400 Speaker 1: feel calm, confident, and secure as they head into a 42 00:02:44,480 --> 00:02:47,880 Speaker 1: new school year. For today's conversation, I'm your co host 43 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,240 Speaker 1: Jessica Funrokel, and I get to ask my dear friend, 44 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 1: entrusted neuropsychologists, doctor Michelle bankson some of your pressing questions 45 00:02:56,880 --> 00:02:59,080 Speaker 1: as well as some of those topics I wish I 46 00:02:59,160 --> 00:03:01,760 Speaker 1: could have asked my children were school aged. 47 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:05,760 Speaker 2: I'm so thrilled that we're addressing this issue because so 48 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:10,040 Speaker 2: many parents struggle and don't have anyone to ask for sound, 49 00:03:10,120 --> 00:03:14,919 Speaker 2: practical and clinically relevant advice, which reminds me. We love 50 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:18,480 Speaker 2: nothing more than hearing from our listeners and viewers about 51 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:21,920 Speaker 2: how an episode answered questions they've had or encouraged them 52 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,800 Speaker 2: in some way. And if there are topics that you'd 53 00:03:24,919 --> 00:03:27,720 Speaker 2: like for us to cover in future episodes, let us 54 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:31,040 Speaker 2: know by going to my website, doctor michelleb dot com 55 00:03:31,080 --> 00:03:33,440 Speaker 2: and reach out through the contact button at the bottom 56 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:36,800 Speaker 2: of the page. We do these episodes for you, and 57 00:03:36,880 --> 00:03:40,200 Speaker 2: we want to know what's encouraged you and what you'd 58 00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:41,000 Speaker 2: like us to cover. 59 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:46,440 Speaker 1: Michelle, this is such a timely conversation. Families everywhere are 60 00:03:46,520 --> 00:03:49,160 Speaker 1: gearing up for a new school year, and while it 61 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:51,920 Speaker 1: can be exciting, it can also bring a lot of 62 00:03:51,960 --> 00:03:55,440 Speaker 1: stress and anxiety for both kids and parents. 63 00:03:56,360 --> 00:04:00,960 Speaker 2: Absolutely, Jessica, back to school season often up a mix 64 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:08,279 Speaker 2: of emotions anticipation, excitement, but also fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm 65 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:12,360 Speaker 2: for both kids and parents. And what many parents don't 66 00:04:12,400 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 2: realize is that these emotional responses have both spiritual and 67 00:04:17,880 --> 00:04:19,400 Speaker 2: neurological components. 68 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:22,680 Speaker 1: And that's why I'm so glad we're talking about this today, 69 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:26,400 Speaker 1: because parents just aren't looking for behavior tips. They want 70 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:30,600 Speaker 1: to understand what's really going on inside their child and 71 00:04:30,680 --> 00:04:33,799 Speaker 1: how to respond in a way that brings peace instead 72 00:04:33,839 --> 00:04:36,080 Speaker 1: of more pressure exactly. 73 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:40,120 Speaker 2: And the good news is God has equipped us with 74 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:44,320 Speaker 2: both truth and tools. When we understand how the brain 75 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:48,640 Speaker 2: works and align that with scripture, we can help our 76 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:54,000 Speaker 2: children and ourselves move from anxiety to peace and confidence. 77 00:04:55,120 --> 00:04:58,000 Speaker 1: I love that. So let's start with the big question, 78 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:02,720 Speaker 1: why does back to school season triggers so much anxiety 79 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:03,360 Speaker 1: in kids? 80 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:06,960 Speaker 2: That's a really important question for us to address first, 81 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:11,279 Speaker 2: because at its core, anxiety is the brain's response to 82 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:16,600 Speaker 2: perceived threat or uncertainty. Let's face it, back to school 83 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:22,880 Speaker 2: introduces a lot of unknowns, new teachers, new routines, social dynamics, 84 00:05:23,279 --> 00:05:29,400 Speaker 2: academic expectations. But when the brain perceives uncertainty, it activates 85 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:33,480 Speaker 2: the stress response system, specifically the amygdala. We've talked about 86 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:36,719 Speaker 2: the amgdala many times on this podcast together, but it 87 00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:41,800 Speaker 2: essentially asks am I safe? And if the brain isn't sure, 88 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:47,040 Speaker 2: it defaults to caution, and that's when anxiety shows up. 89 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:51,080 Speaker 1: So even if there's no real danger, the brain can 90 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:53,080 Speaker 1: still respond as if there is. 91 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:58,359 Speaker 2: Oh, absolutely, the brain is wired for protection, not perfection. 92 00:05:58,640 --> 00:06:02,839 Speaker 2: It would rather over react than miss a potential threat. 93 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:09,280 Speaker 2: For children, especially whose brains are still developing, this response 94 00:06:09,400 --> 00:06:10,960 Speaker 2: can feel overwhelming. 95 00:06:11,279 --> 00:06:15,599 Speaker 1: This makes so much sense. I think sometimes parents assume 96 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:18,719 Speaker 1: their child is just being dramatic or resistant. 97 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:23,600 Speaker 2: Yes, and that's where we need a mindset shift. What 98 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:29,320 Speaker 2: looks like defiance or avoidance is often distress. Instead of 99 00:06:29,400 --> 00:06:33,279 Speaker 2: asking what's wrong with my child, we should ask what 100 00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:38,080 Speaker 2: is my child's brain trying to process or protect against? 101 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:41,599 Speaker 1: And that's such a compassionate reframe, and what I. 102 00:06:41,480 --> 00:06:44,920 Speaker 2: Love about that is that it aligns with scripture pal 103 00:06:44,920 --> 00:06:48,400 Speaker 2: I'm fifty six y' three says when I am afraid, 104 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:52,160 Speaker 2: I will put my trust in you. But noticed it 105 00:06:52,200 --> 00:06:56,800 Speaker 2: doesn't say if it says when fear is a normal 106 00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:01,000 Speaker 2: human experience. The key is what we do with it now. 107 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:05,120 Speaker 2: A common response to worry, fear, and anxiety is to 108 00:07:05,160 --> 00:07:08,600 Speaker 2: try to avoid the thing that makes us anxious. True, 109 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:11,600 Speaker 2: and that often works in the short term, but in 110 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:15,680 Speaker 2: the long term, what it does is reinforces the stimulus 111 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:18,240 Speaker 2: that made us anxious in the first place, so we 112 00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:24,360 Speaker 2: actually become more and more anxious in similar situations. For example, 113 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 2: I've had patients come into my office in the private 114 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:31,520 Speaker 2: practice who were afraid of driving on the freeway, so 115 00:07:31,560 --> 00:07:36,480 Speaker 2: they avoided it, and that avoidance temporarily decrease their anxiety, 116 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:41,320 Speaker 2: but it ended up reinforcing their fear and it became 117 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:44,600 Speaker 2: more crippling in their life. So they then became more 118 00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:48,680 Speaker 2: afraid of driving on busy roads, then more afraid of 119 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:53,679 Speaker 2: driving on less busy roads, then became afraid of leaving 120 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:56,760 Speaker 2: their home. The key is that we need to learn 121 00:07:56,880 --> 00:08:01,120 Speaker 2: how to respond better to anxiety and not try to 122 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:04,119 Speaker 2: avoid the things that make us anxious. 123 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:09,840 Speaker 1: That makes so much sense. That is, I'm sitting here thinking, wow, 124 00:08:10,400 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 1: it's true, all right. So what are some ways anxiety 125 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:18,760 Speaker 1: shows up in children that parents might not immediately recognize? 126 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:23,000 Speaker 2: No, great question, because anxiety doesn't always look like worry. 127 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:29,360 Speaker 2: In children, it often shows up as irritability or emotional outbursts. 128 00:08:29,440 --> 00:08:32,960 Speaker 2: It can show up like physical complaints, like stomach aches 129 00:08:33,360 --> 00:08:36,560 Speaker 2: or headaches. And I can attest to that one because 130 00:08:36,679 --> 00:08:40,120 Speaker 2: I remember being an anxious child, and there were many 131 00:08:40,320 --> 00:08:43,160 Speaker 2: mornings before I would go to the bus stop where 132 00:08:43,240 --> 00:08:46,160 Speaker 2: I would complain to my mother of having a stomach ache. 133 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:49,880 Speaker 2: I look back now and realize that was anxiety wearing 134 00:08:49,920 --> 00:08:52,600 Speaker 2: its ugly head, but neither she nor I had the 135 00:08:52,640 --> 00:08:57,480 Speaker 2: appropriate label for it. And in children, anxiety, much like adults, 136 00:08:57,520 --> 00:09:02,400 Speaker 2: can show up as avoidance, refusing to go to school 137 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:08,560 Speaker 2: or refusing to participate in activities. But from a physiological standpoint, 138 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:14,000 Speaker 2: anxiety can also show up like trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. 139 00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:17,120 Speaker 2: When we're anxious, we're busy focusing on that thing that's 140 00:09:17,160 --> 00:09:22,480 Speaker 2: making us worried, fearful, or anxious. And sometimes anxiety even 141 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:27,440 Speaker 2: looks like perfectionism or overachievement. And in my later years 142 00:09:27,559 --> 00:09:30,400 Speaker 2: I didn't have the stomach aches nearly so often. But 143 00:09:30,559 --> 00:09:34,839 Speaker 2: I was definitely a perfectionist and definitely an overachiever. And 144 00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:37,560 Speaker 2: I look back now and realize, Man, I wish someone 145 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:41,480 Speaker 2: had given me or my parents the tools to manage 146 00:09:41,520 --> 00:09:44,120 Speaker 2: that anxiety instead of reinforcing it. 147 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:47,559 Speaker 1: Wow, that's really interesting. So what you're saying is that 148 00:09:47,760 --> 00:09:50,840 Speaker 1: even a child who seems like they're doing everything right 149 00:09:51,320 --> 00:09:52,680 Speaker 1: could actually be anxious. 150 00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:57,760 Speaker 2: Absolutely, that child might be driven by a fear of failure, 151 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:01,600 Speaker 2: a fear of rejection, or even if of abandonment, all 152 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:06,160 Speaker 2: of which we've discovered we've discussed before on this podcast. 153 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:08,760 Speaker 1: And I think that's important for parents to hear because 154 00:10:08,840 --> 00:10:14,080 Speaker 1: we often celebrate the outward behavior without understanding the internal struggle. 155 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:19,880 Speaker 2: Oh yes, and when anxiety goes unrecognized, it actually intensifies. 156 00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:24,680 Speaker 2: That's exactly why awareness is the first step towards helping 157 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:27,320 Speaker 2: our children and why I thought it was important to 158 00:10:27,760 --> 00:10:31,760 Speaker 2: discuss this as parents are looking at the back to 159 00:10:31,800 --> 00:10:32,559 Speaker 2: school season. 160 00:10:33,120 --> 00:10:35,480 Speaker 1: So good and Michelle, I think one of the biggest 161 00:10:35,559 --> 00:10:39,040 Speaker 1: questions parents are asking right now is this is this 162 00:10:39,200 --> 00:10:43,280 Speaker 1: normal back to school stress or is it actually anxiety? 163 00:10:43,920 --> 00:10:48,480 Speaker 1: So how can parents tell the difference between normal nerves 164 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:50,679 Speaker 1: and something that needs more attention. 165 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:54,880 Speaker 2: That's such an important place to start. Some level of 166 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:59,719 Speaker 2: nervousness is completely normal. Our brains are wired to respond 167 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:05,720 Speaker 2: to new or uncertain situations, but anxiety actually goes beyond that. 168 00:11:06,120 --> 00:11:10,640 Speaker 2: From a neuroscience perspective, anxiety is when the brain's alarm system, 169 00:11:10,760 --> 00:11:15,680 Speaker 2: the amygdala, is activated, either more frequently or more intensely, 170 00:11:16,120 --> 00:11:21,479 Speaker 2: even when there's no true danger. As a parent myself, 171 00:11:21,920 --> 00:11:26,600 Speaker 2: I encourage you to look at three things, intensity, duration, 172 00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:32,480 Speaker 2: and impact. If your child's distress is ongoing, or it's 173 00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:36,200 Speaker 2: escalating and getting worse, or you're starting to notice that 174 00:11:36,280 --> 00:11:40,240 Speaker 2: it's interfering with daily life, like interfering with their sleep 175 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:44,920 Speaker 2: or their appetite or their school attendance or performance, it's 176 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:50,920 Speaker 2: likely more than typical normal nervousness or stress. Ask yourself, 177 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 2: is there a change in behavior, mood, or attitude from 178 00:11:55,400 --> 00:12:00,359 Speaker 2: say the middle of summer to now. Is the anxiety persist, 179 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:04,560 Speaker 2: is it escalating? And is it interfering with daily functioning. 180 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:08,959 Speaker 2: If the answer is yes to any of those things 181 00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:13,600 Speaker 2: or multiples, it's time to step up in more intentionality. 182 00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:19,640 Speaker 2: From a faith perspective, I love how scripture normalizes fear 183 00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:23,200 Speaker 2: but redirects it. So I'm thirty four to four says 184 00:12:23,320 --> 00:12:26,640 Speaker 2: I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered 185 00:12:26,679 --> 00:12:30,560 Speaker 2: me from all my fears. What it doesn't say is 186 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:36,640 Speaker 2: he delivered me from all my circumstances. Right, So those 187 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:40,560 Speaker 2: things that tempt us to get worried, anxious or fearful 188 00:12:40,679 --> 00:12:42,880 Speaker 2: are still going to happen. But the Lord says he 189 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:46,320 Speaker 2: delivered me from all my fears. So fear may come, 190 00:12:46,679 --> 00:12:49,640 Speaker 2: but it doesn't have to lead. It doesn't have to 191 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:52,480 Speaker 2: be a driving force in our life. 192 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,640 Speaker 1: I've often said to my kids, fear is an indicator, 193 00:12:55,920 --> 00:12:59,440 Speaker 1: it's not a dictator. Excellent, and I think that's what 194 00:12:59,480 --> 00:13:02,200 Speaker 1: we're talking about right here. So in light of that, 195 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:05,360 Speaker 1: this leads into another question. I sometimes hear a lot, 196 00:13:05,520 --> 00:13:09,120 Speaker 1: Why is my child suddenly anxious about school when they 197 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:10,280 Speaker 1: were fine before? 198 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:15,439 Speaker 2: Yes, and that can feel confusing for parents. But children's 199 00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:20,800 Speaker 2: brains are constantly developing, and their capacity to think and 200 00:13:20,880 --> 00:13:24,760 Speaker 2: to imagine and to anticipate is growing. So if a 201 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:29,200 Speaker 2: child was fine last year, they may now be more 202 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:34,800 Speaker 2: aware of things like social pressures, academic expectations, or even 203 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:40,080 Speaker 2: what if scenarios and Sadly, we as parents are not 204 00:13:40,280 --> 00:13:44,760 Speaker 2: always aware of the experiences that our children encounter. So 205 00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:47,960 Speaker 2: they may have successfully made it through the last school year, 206 00:13:48,040 --> 00:13:50,959 Speaker 2: but we don't know what kinds of things happened last 207 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:55,200 Speaker 2: year that would prompt them to be anxious about this year. 208 00:13:55,320 --> 00:13:59,560 Speaker 2: Think about bullying. A child may have been bullied last 209 00:13:59,679 --> 00:14:03,120 Speaker 2: year but not shown outward signs and not to a 210 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:06,480 Speaker 2: parent or teacher about it. Well, if that happened last year, 211 00:14:06,960 --> 00:14:10,040 Speaker 2: there's a tendency then that they're going to be afraid 212 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:14,439 Speaker 2: that that's going to happen again. Now, neurologically, our kids' 213 00:14:14,480 --> 00:14:19,960 Speaker 2: brains are better at predicting outcomes, but not always accurate ones. 214 00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:23,480 Speaker 2: So they can imagine, just like we as parents do. 215 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:28,440 Speaker 2: They can imagine worst case scenarios and respond if those 216 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:33,800 Speaker 2: imaginations are real threats. Wow, now that was neurologically. Let's 217 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:37,120 Speaker 2: look at it spiritually. This is where we help them 218 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:41,080 Speaker 2: take those what if thoughts captive And just I so 219 00:14:41,480 --> 00:14:44,760 Speaker 2: wish that someone had taught me this when I was 220 00:14:44,840 --> 00:14:49,000 Speaker 2: a child, because it's so powerful. You and I both 221 00:14:49,040 --> 00:14:53,080 Speaker 2: know Sewod Corinthians ten to five reminds us to take 222 00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:57,080 Speaker 2: every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. We 223 00:14:57,160 --> 00:15:01,000 Speaker 2: can gently teach our children to question in those fearful 224 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:04,360 Speaker 2: thoughts and then replace them with truth. 225 00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:09,160 Speaker 1: So good, so good. So what are some signs of 226 00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:12,360 Speaker 1: anxiety in children that parents might miss. 227 00:15:12,680 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 2: Anxiety and children is often expressed through the body or 228 00:15:16,960 --> 00:15:20,760 Speaker 2: behavior more than it is through words. You're going to 229 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:26,280 Speaker 2: notice it in physical complaints they have, or outward expressions 230 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:31,320 Speaker 2: more than you'll ever hear I'm worried or I'm afraid 231 00:15:31,560 --> 00:15:35,280 Speaker 2: or I'm anxious. What might happen is you might see 232 00:15:35,320 --> 00:15:40,640 Speaker 2: things like stomach aches, headaches, irritability, especially in the morning 233 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:43,160 Speaker 2: before they have to go to school or before say, 234 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:48,920 Speaker 2: an extracurricular activity. You might notice an increased frequency in tears, 235 00:15:49,760 --> 00:15:55,640 Speaker 2: or avoidance, or even perfectionism. I was a straight A student, 236 00:15:56,120 --> 00:15:58,960 Speaker 2: but in A was not enough. I was worried if 237 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:02,320 Speaker 2: I didn't get an A plus. Looking back on it, 238 00:16:02,480 --> 00:16:05,360 Speaker 2: that should have been a signal to my parents that 239 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:08,480 Speaker 2: I was dealing with some anxiety. Now, what's happening in 240 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:12,200 Speaker 2: the brain is that stress hormones are being released and 241 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:15,760 Speaker 2: the body is preparing for danger, even if the quote 242 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:20,000 Speaker 2: unquote danger is just walking into a classroom or sitting 243 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:23,600 Speaker 2: next to someone who says things to us that make 244 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:28,280 Speaker 2: us afraid, or who ignores us and makes us fear rejection. 245 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:34,040 Speaker 2: But instead of assuming misbehavior as parents, let's ask the question, 246 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:38,840 Speaker 2: is my child experiencing distress somewhere? And this is where 247 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:45,160 Speaker 2: compassion matters deeply. Colossians three twelve encourages us to clothe 248 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:52,560 Speaker 2: yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and that 249 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:57,560 Speaker 2: is exactly what our anxious child needs from us. But 250 00:16:57,800 --> 00:17:02,720 Speaker 2: often I've seen it where a child expresses anxiety to 251 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 2: parent does whatever they know to do, and it doesn't 252 00:17:06,800 --> 00:17:10,639 Speaker 2: seem to make a difference, and internally that makes the 253 00:17:10,720 --> 00:17:15,960 Speaker 2: parent insecure, So then they react with more force or 254 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 2: aggression or a decrease in combation, and that's the wrong 255 00:17:20,320 --> 00:17:23,960 Speaker 2: thing to do. So now that we better recognize anxiety 256 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:27,960 Speaker 2: in our children, let's turn our discussion to what parents 257 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:31,440 Speaker 2: should do and what they should not do to help 258 00:17:31,520 --> 00:17:35,000 Speaker 2: their anxious child. Will delve into that right after this 259 00:17:35,119 --> 00:17:36,440 Speaker 2: brief word from our sponsor. 260 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:42,640 Speaker 1: All right, welcome back. Let's get really practical. What are 261 00:17:42,680 --> 00:17:46,560 Speaker 1: some common mistakes parents make when trying to help an 262 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:49,720 Speaker 1: anxious child. Maybe things they might be doing that they 263 00:17:49,760 --> 00:17:53,560 Speaker 1: don't realize could actually be making the situation worse. 264 00:17:54,160 --> 00:17:56,919 Speaker 2: And one of the most common mistakes is trying to 265 00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:00,760 Speaker 2: eliminate the anxiety altogether. It's easy to think that this 266 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:05,800 Speaker 2: is helpful, but ultimately it will create a fearful, avoidant 267 00:18:05,880 --> 00:18:09,480 Speaker 2: child lacking in good coping skills. Kind Of like my 268 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:11,919 Speaker 2: example before the break, when we were talking about the 269 00:18:11,960 --> 00:18:14,119 Speaker 2: patients that I've had who were afraid to drive on 270 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:17,119 Speaker 2: the highway. So they try to eliminate the stressor that 271 00:18:17,160 --> 00:18:20,240 Speaker 2: prompts the anxiety. Well, what happens then is the anxiety 272 00:18:20,359 --> 00:18:24,240 Speaker 2: just starts to spread to more and more and more situations. 273 00:18:24,359 --> 00:18:29,680 Speaker 2: The other thing is that parents might also try reassuring 274 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:34,720 Speaker 2: their child excessively or removing every stressor thinking that's helping 275 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:37,480 Speaker 2: their child. Now, while I know that comes from a 276 00:18:37,520 --> 00:18:41,280 Speaker 2: place of love, it actually teaches the brain that the 277 00:18:41,359 --> 00:18:45,520 Speaker 2: situation is dangerous and needs to be avoided. 278 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:49,119 Speaker 1: So instead of helping, it reinforces the fear. 279 00:18:49,600 --> 00:18:55,679 Speaker 2: Exactly. The goal is not to remove anxiety. The goal 280 00:18:55,920 --> 00:18:58,920 Speaker 2: is to teach our children how to move through it 281 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:00,800 Speaker 2: with confidence and truth. 282 00:19:01,040 --> 00:19:03,119 Speaker 1: And that's a powerful distinction. 283 00:19:03,720 --> 00:19:10,840 Speaker 2: Very much so. Yeah, another mistake is dismissing or minimizing 284 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:15,399 Speaker 2: our children's feelings, saying things like you're fine or there's 285 00:19:15,480 --> 00:19:16,560 Speaker 2: nothing to worry. 286 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:18,919 Speaker 1: About, which I think many parents say that because they 287 00:19:18,960 --> 00:19:20,840 Speaker 1: want to comfort their child. Yeah. 288 00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:22,720 Speaker 2: I think it comes from a place of wanting to 289 00:19:22,760 --> 00:19:27,280 Speaker 2: comfort their child or feeling a lack of confidence in 290 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:31,720 Speaker 2: their own ability to help their child process the anxiety. 291 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:32,120 Speaker 1: Right. 292 00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:37,240 Speaker 2: Yeah, Now, comforting is good, but what children need first 293 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:42,640 Speaker 2: is validation, not correction. Our feelings are powerful, and making 294 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:47,760 Speaker 2: statements like you're fine teaches children that there's something wrong 295 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:51,600 Speaker 2: with them and that they can't trust either their emotions 296 00:19:51,800 --> 00:19:54,959 Speaker 2: or trust their parent to be a safe place to 297 00:19:55,119 --> 00:19:56,320 Speaker 2: share their feelings. 298 00:19:56,840 --> 00:19:57,399 Speaker 1: Yeah. 299 00:19:57,480 --> 00:20:00,040 Speaker 2: And what I've spent a lot of time in my 300 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:03,480 Speaker 2: LI career talking to parents about is that we want 301 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:07,400 Speaker 2: the parents and the home to be a safe place 302 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,440 Speaker 2: for their children to land. A better thing is that 303 00:20:10,680 --> 00:20:14,480 Speaker 2: when we say I see that you're nervous and that 304 00:20:14,560 --> 00:20:19,480 Speaker 2: makes sense, we actually help our children calm the brain's 305 00:20:19,600 --> 00:20:23,720 Speaker 2: alarm system and it opens the door to further conversation, 306 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:27,560 Speaker 2: like about what's prompting the anxiety, what happened at school, 307 00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:32,440 Speaker 2: and is there something truly threatening that we as parents 308 00:20:32,880 --> 00:20:37,159 Speaker 2: need to consider talking to a parent or an administrator 309 00:20:37,160 --> 00:20:40,240 Speaker 2: about But when we make those statements like I see 310 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:43,439 Speaker 2: that you're nervous and that makes sense, that actually helps 311 00:20:43,560 --> 00:20:46,879 Speaker 2: instilled trust between child and parent. 312 00:20:47,160 --> 00:20:51,600 Speaker 1: So validation actually helps regulate the brain. 313 00:20:52,119 --> 00:20:57,000 Speaker 2: Yes, it does. It engages the prefrontal cortex, which is 314 00:20:57,080 --> 00:21:01,520 Speaker 2: the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and emotional regulation. 315 00:21:03,080 --> 00:21:07,080 Speaker 1: All right, so we've given a good amount of what 316 00:21:07,240 --> 00:21:11,560 Speaker 1: not to do. So what are the dews. We've gone 317 00:21:11,600 --> 00:21:14,359 Speaker 1: through the don'ts now. Let's talk about the dews. 318 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:19,000 Speaker 2: Here's a few key strategies. Number One, validate their feelings. 319 00:21:19,320 --> 00:21:22,040 Speaker 2: Like we were just saying, I see that you're anxious 320 00:21:22,280 --> 00:21:27,359 Speaker 2: and that makes sense. It validates that you recognize that 321 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:31,439 Speaker 2: they are having this feeling. And our feelings may be real, 322 00:21:32,080 --> 00:21:35,840 Speaker 2: but they're not always communicating true, so we want to 323 00:21:35,960 --> 00:21:41,120 Speaker 2: validate that they're experiencing the feeling. Another thing to do 324 00:21:41,480 --> 00:21:45,640 Speaker 2: is to help our child name the anxiety, put words 325 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:49,320 Speaker 2: to it. What are you feeling inside? Is it making 326 00:21:49,359 --> 00:21:54,359 Speaker 2: you feel scared? Is there something that's making you feel anxious? 327 00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:58,840 Speaker 2: Is there something that's making you feel not good about yourself? 328 00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:03,560 Speaker 2: By helping our kids name the anxiety and put words 329 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:07,680 Speaker 2: to it, it increases their capacity to communicate to us 330 00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:11,040 Speaker 2: about other things and other feelings. One of the things 331 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:14,480 Speaker 2: that I used, especially with younger kiddos who are struggling, 332 00:22:14,880 --> 00:22:19,399 Speaker 2: is to give them a feeling chart. It's usually like 333 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:23,040 Speaker 2: emoji looking faces, and there would be a face for scared, 334 00:22:23,119 --> 00:22:25,439 Speaker 2: and a face for mad, and a face for happy, 335 00:22:25,480 --> 00:22:29,920 Speaker 2: and a face for confused, and probably thirty different emotions. 336 00:22:30,280 --> 00:22:34,280 Speaker 2: Them looking at those different emojis and picking out the 337 00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:38,080 Speaker 2: one that most looks like they're feeling inside then helps 338 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:40,840 Speaker 2: us as parents to put a label to it so 339 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:44,880 Speaker 2: that they have the words to communicate how they're feeling now. 340 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:49,400 Speaker 2: A third to do is to teach our children coping 341 00:22:49,480 --> 00:22:54,359 Speaker 2: skills like deep breathing or grounding exercises, which we'll talk 342 00:22:54,400 --> 00:22:56,720 Speaker 2: about a little bit more later in this episode, but 343 00:22:56,800 --> 00:23:01,520 Speaker 2: we've also discussed them on previous episodes for managing stress. 344 00:23:02,080 --> 00:23:06,600 Speaker 2: So teaching our kids coping skills allows them to take 345 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:11,200 Speaker 2: those skills into the anxiety provoking situation and be able 346 00:23:11,240 --> 00:23:14,480 Speaker 2: to manage it in real time so it doesn't build up. 347 00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:17,680 Speaker 2: Think about the times when I realize I'm anxious, or 348 00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:21,840 Speaker 2: the times when I realize I'm holding my breath in 349 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:27,280 Speaker 2: that moment by doing deep breathing exercises, I tell my brain, 350 00:23:27,520 --> 00:23:30,720 Speaker 2: now you're safe, You're okay, right now, there is nothing 351 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:34,119 Speaker 2: threatening or dangerous. So teaching those coping skills is a 352 00:23:34,119 --> 00:23:36,000 Speaker 2: really important one, and I've spent a lot of my 353 00:23:36,119 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 2: career working in the situation with parents and kids doing that. 354 00:23:40,200 --> 00:23:45,840 Speaker 2: Another to do is to encourage gradual exposure to what 355 00:23:45,960 --> 00:23:49,960 Speaker 2: they fear. I mentioned the opposite of that with avoidance 356 00:23:50,119 --> 00:23:54,359 Speaker 2: and the driving scenario. But say a child it is 357 00:23:54,520 --> 00:24:00,639 Speaker 2: anxious about an extracurricular activity. Well, gradual exposure would be 358 00:24:00,720 --> 00:24:04,679 Speaker 2: things like driving to the parking lot of the place 359 00:24:04,760 --> 00:24:08,199 Speaker 2: where they're anxious, and then next time driving to the 360 00:24:08,240 --> 00:24:10,800 Speaker 2: parking lot and actually getting out of the car. And 361 00:24:10,840 --> 00:24:13,680 Speaker 2: then the next experience would be driving to the parking lot, 362 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:16,000 Speaker 2: getting out of the car and going to the door, 363 00:24:16,359 --> 00:24:18,920 Speaker 2: And the next would be driving to the parking lot, 364 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:21,560 Speaker 2: getting out of the car, walking to the door, walking 365 00:24:21,600 --> 00:24:27,080 Speaker 2: into the building. That gradual exposure teaches them you're safe 366 00:24:27,160 --> 00:24:31,879 Speaker 2: and you can handle this. Wow. And probably one of 367 00:24:31,960 --> 00:24:37,200 Speaker 2: the most important to dos is to model calm and 368 00:24:37,280 --> 00:24:39,600 Speaker 2: confidence for our kids. 369 00:24:40,040 --> 00:24:43,920 Speaker 1: That last one feels really big. Modeling calm. 370 00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:50,680 Speaker 2: It's really big because children actually borrow our nervous system 371 00:24:51,040 --> 00:24:54,679 Speaker 2: if we are anxious, they feel it. But when we 372 00:24:54,760 --> 00:24:58,800 Speaker 2: are calm, we communicate safety and just I don't know 373 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:02,159 Speaker 2: if it's like this for you, but my husband is 374 00:25:02,240 --> 00:25:05,199 Speaker 2: like a rock and he's really positive and he doesn't 375 00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:09,680 Speaker 2: get ruffled easily. But in those situations where I've seen 376 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:14,919 Speaker 2: him become worried or when I've seen him become tearful, 377 00:25:15,520 --> 00:25:19,199 Speaker 2: that communicates indirectly to me that I have a reason 378 00:25:19,280 --> 00:25:23,919 Speaker 2: to be worried or tearful. We as parents have the 379 00:25:24,680 --> 00:25:28,879 Speaker 2: exact same influence on our children. And there were times 380 00:25:28,880 --> 00:25:32,160 Speaker 2: when I worked with young nursing moms and they would 381 00:25:32,200 --> 00:25:35,640 Speaker 2: be so anxious and their children would end up being 382 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:40,160 Speaker 2: fussier because they're communicating that anxiety to their babies. 383 00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:45,000 Speaker 1: Yes, you know what you're saying about children borrowing our 384 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:50,560 Speaker 1: nervous system, frankly is encouraging, but it's also convicting well. 385 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:52,800 Speaker 2: And the good thing is that it brings us to 386 00:25:52,880 --> 00:25:56,200 Speaker 2: Scripture again. One of my favorite verses when it comes 387 00:25:56,240 --> 00:25:59,120 Speaker 2: to anxiety is two Timothy one to seven. That verse 388 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:02,440 Speaker 2: reminds us for God has not given us a spirit 389 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:05,560 Speaker 2: of fear, but of power and of love and of 390 00:26:05,680 --> 00:26:09,639 Speaker 2: sound mind. So we as parents are in a unique 391 00:26:09,640 --> 00:26:13,439 Speaker 2: situation and that we can model that sound mind for 392 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:14,160 Speaker 2: our kiddos. 393 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:18,080 Speaker 1: I love that. I love it. Now. I have a 394 00:26:18,119 --> 00:26:21,080 Speaker 1: really tough question though, and I think every parent has 395 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:24,119 Speaker 1: wondered this one. Should I make my child go to 396 00:26:24,160 --> 00:26:25,639 Speaker 1: school if they're anxious? 397 00:26:26,080 --> 00:26:28,879 Speaker 2: Oh? Really good question, because I've had a lot of 398 00:26:28,960 --> 00:26:34,000 Speaker 2: parents ask that, and frequently the gut reaction is is 399 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:37,160 Speaker 2: if that environment is making my child so anxious, there 400 00:26:37,240 --> 00:26:42,040 Speaker 2: must be something dangerous there, so they keep them away. 401 00:26:43,119 --> 00:26:49,000 Speaker 2: So it's a really tender balance. Avoidance actually strengthens anxiety 402 00:26:49,080 --> 00:26:53,280 Speaker 2: over time because the brain learns if I escape, I'm safe, 403 00:26:53,520 --> 00:26:59,439 Speaker 2: and safety feels good. But gentle supported exposure actually helps 404 00:26:59,480 --> 00:27:02,880 Speaker 2: retrain our child's brain to recognize I can do this 405 00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:07,320 Speaker 2: and I'll be okay. So yes, in most cases, we 406 00:27:07,440 --> 00:27:10,119 Speaker 2: do want to help our child go to school or 407 00:27:10,160 --> 00:27:16,400 Speaker 2: to that extracurricular event, but we support preparation, encouragement, and compassion. 408 00:27:16,760 --> 00:27:20,919 Speaker 2: We don't push harshly, but we don't rescue completely. We 409 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:25,400 Speaker 2: actually walk alongside them. And it's in those circumstances where 410 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:29,440 Speaker 2: I often remind parents of Joshua one nine. Be strong 411 00:27:29,960 --> 00:27:33,400 Speaker 2: and courageous, for the Lord, your God will be with you. 412 00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:37,959 Speaker 2: Wherever you go. We're not sending our children into school alone. 413 00:27:38,080 --> 00:27:41,679 Speaker 2: We're sending them with God's presence. And that's such a 414 00:27:41,840 --> 00:27:45,600 Speaker 2: powerful reminder. And when we teach our children this at 415 00:27:45,680 --> 00:27:48,960 Speaker 2: a young age, it's a tool that they can use 416 00:27:49,040 --> 00:27:52,120 Speaker 2: for the rest of their life because they're relying on 417 00:27:52,160 --> 00:27:53,240 Speaker 2: God's promises. 418 00:27:53,560 --> 00:27:57,399 Speaker 1: Yeah, and I think, well, that's topic for another day, 419 00:27:57,680 --> 00:28:00,879 Speaker 1: Thank Zach. I'm just going to say yes, yes, and 420 00:28:00,920 --> 00:28:05,879 Speaker 1: more yeses. So let's turn our attention to some specific 421 00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:10,159 Speaker 1: practical tools the parents can use during this back to 422 00:28:10,240 --> 00:28:11,040 Speaker 1: school season. 423 00:28:11,359 --> 00:28:16,800 Speaker 2: Yeah. Absolutely, because preparation is key and the brain thrives 424 00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:19,000 Speaker 2: on predictability. 425 00:28:18,400 --> 00:28:20,720 Speaker 1: So routines matter very much. 426 00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:28,000 Speaker 2: So okay, things like start adjusting sleep schedules, morning routines, 427 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:33,400 Speaker 2: and expectations before school begins. I'll give you a silly example, 428 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:37,320 Speaker 2: but I think it's pertinent to the discussion. So my 429 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:41,000 Speaker 2: son is a pilot and he's been training on a 430 00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:45,680 Speaker 2: new aircraft. So for this training, before they put the 431 00:28:45,720 --> 00:28:50,480 Speaker 2: pilots in a real airplane, they do simulation exercises. Well, 432 00:28:50,520 --> 00:28:53,600 Speaker 2: because there's so many pilots who are training, they don't 433 00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:59,920 Speaker 2: all get the eight am simulation experience. His sim experience, 434 00:29:00,120 --> 00:29:04,240 Speaker 2: this week is somewhere between eight pm and one am 435 00:29:04,400 --> 00:29:07,720 Speaker 2: in the morning, and so I heard him say, I'm 436 00:29:07,720 --> 00:29:12,280 Speaker 2: working on my sleep hygiene this week, particularly in anticipation 437 00:29:12,440 --> 00:29:15,280 Speaker 2: for having to work during the hours I would normally 438 00:29:15,320 --> 00:29:19,080 Speaker 2: be sleeping. So he is adjusting his sleep schedule to 439 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:22,840 Speaker 2: optimize his performance when he needs to be on, so 440 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:25,320 Speaker 2: to speak. So we as parents should be doing the 441 00:29:25,360 --> 00:29:28,000 Speaker 2: same thing for our young kiddos. You know, sometimes we 442 00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:30,320 Speaker 2: get kind of laxed during the summer months and we 443 00:29:30,400 --> 00:29:34,440 Speaker 2: let our kids sleep, stay up, and sleep in, take naps, 444 00:29:34,640 --> 00:29:37,960 Speaker 2: but then school starts and their system is all out 445 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:41,280 Speaker 2: of whack. So things like adjusting sleep schedules and morning 446 00:29:41,360 --> 00:29:45,640 Speaker 2: routines before the school year starts is really helpful. 447 00:29:46,080 --> 00:29:49,480 Speaker 1: What about for kids who are especially anxious, because you 448 00:29:49,520 --> 00:29:52,680 Speaker 1: know there are plenty of those out there. I had a. 449 00:29:52,640 --> 00:29:56,680 Speaker 2: Couple in those situations where it's obvious what they're dealing 450 00:29:56,720 --> 00:30:02,560 Speaker 2: with and it's anxiety. I recommend creating a preview experience, 451 00:30:02,760 --> 00:30:06,080 Speaker 2: things like let's visit the school ahead of time. And 452 00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:11,280 Speaker 2: a lot of times anxiety increases when our children change facilities. 453 00:30:11,320 --> 00:30:13,840 Speaker 2: So they might change from the preschool environment to the 454 00:30:13,880 --> 00:30:16,880 Speaker 2: elementary school, or change from the elementary school to the 455 00:30:16,880 --> 00:30:19,240 Speaker 2: middle school, or from the middle school to the high school, 456 00:30:19,240 --> 00:30:23,960 Speaker 2: and just visiting the school and starting that exposure early 457 00:30:24,200 --> 00:30:28,840 Speaker 2: can help along those lines. I strongly recommend letting your 458 00:30:28,920 --> 00:30:32,760 Speaker 2: kids meet their teacher or teachers if possible, and a 459 00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:34,720 Speaker 2: lot of schools are really good about this. They'll have 460 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:38,240 Speaker 2: them meet the teacher afternoon or evening. And part of 461 00:30:38,280 --> 00:30:40,600 Speaker 2: the reason they do that is so that parents can 462 00:30:40,600 --> 00:30:43,520 Speaker 2: meet the teacher and so that the children don't walk 463 00:30:43,520 --> 00:30:46,360 Speaker 2: in on day one to a complete stranger. And for 464 00:30:46,440 --> 00:30:51,280 Speaker 2: our kiddos who have a change, say they change teachers 465 00:30:51,680 --> 00:30:55,080 Speaker 2: every period, help them walk through the schedules so they 466 00:30:55,200 --> 00:30:58,400 Speaker 2: know where they're going in between classes. But we can 467 00:30:58,640 --> 00:31:02,120 Speaker 2: even help our little ones walk through the schedule of 468 00:31:02,360 --> 00:31:04,320 Speaker 2: So what do we do first thing in the morning 469 00:31:04,600 --> 00:31:06,960 Speaker 2: when Mommy comes in and wakes you up, or when 470 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,520 Speaker 2: the alarm goes off. First thing we do is we 471 00:31:09,560 --> 00:31:11,920 Speaker 2: put on our clothes, and then we go get breakfast, 472 00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:14,040 Speaker 2: and then we brush our teeth, then we put on 473 00:31:14,040 --> 00:31:16,520 Speaker 2: our shoes, then we get our backpack, and we can 474 00:31:16,600 --> 00:31:19,240 Speaker 2: reverse the schedule at the end of the day. The 475 00:31:19,320 --> 00:31:22,680 Speaker 2: backpack comes in for mom to look through it. The 476 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:26,520 Speaker 2: shoes go in the shoe closet, the jacket gets hung up, 477 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:30,200 Speaker 2: so then in the morning they're not frantically searching for 478 00:31:30,280 --> 00:31:33,800 Speaker 2: the things that they need, which just fuels anxiety. 479 00:31:33,920 --> 00:31:34,720 Speaker 1: Oh so good. 480 00:31:35,120 --> 00:31:39,440 Speaker 2: The more familiar something feels, the less threatening it becomes 481 00:31:39,480 --> 00:31:40,000 Speaker 2: to the brain. 482 00:31:40,240 --> 00:31:43,040 Speaker 1: And what you've given are so practical. Do you have 483 00:31:43,080 --> 00:31:44,160 Speaker 1: something else to share? 484 00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:50,080 Speaker 2: Another tool is teaching children simple calming techniques. We were 485 00:31:50,080 --> 00:31:54,000 Speaker 2: talking a few minutes ago about teaching our children practical 486 00:31:54,080 --> 00:31:56,360 Speaker 2: tools that they can use in the moment, and one 487 00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:59,760 Speaker 2: of the tools that I recommended was deep breathing. Is 488 00:32:00,680 --> 00:32:04,840 Speaker 2: we teach our children to inhale for four counts, hold 489 00:32:04,960 --> 00:32:08,720 Speaker 2: for two, and then exhale. And what I strongly recommend 490 00:32:08,920 --> 00:32:13,480 Speaker 2: is that you inhale through the through the nose, hold it, 491 00:32:13,880 --> 00:32:16,960 Speaker 2: and then exhale through the mouth. This is something that 492 00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:19,600 Speaker 2: they can do on the bus, when they're standing in 493 00:32:19,680 --> 00:32:24,640 Speaker 2: line before a test, anything that promotes that anxiety, and 494 00:32:24,920 --> 00:32:28,320 Speaker 2: have them do that four or five times, and what 495 00:32:28,400 --> 00:32:31,880 Speaker 2: they'll see is that your brain can't be anxious and 496 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:34,760 Speaker 2: relaxed at the same time. And when you do those 497 00:32:34,840 --> 00:32:38,200 Speaker 2: deep breathing exercises, it takes away the anxiety and lets 498 00:32:38,240 --> 00:32:42,560 Speaker 2: your brain relax good. Another really simple exercise that I 499 00:32:42,640 --> 00:32:47,520 Speaker 2: teach patients is grounding. That is naming five things they see, 500 00:32:48,200 --> 00:32:52,680 Speaker 2: four things they feel, three things they hear, two things 501 00:32:52,720 --> 00:32:56,720 Speaker 2: they smell, and one thing they taste. And why this 502 00:32:56,920 --> 00:33:01,520 Speaker 2: is so powerful is because it actually arrests their thought 503 00:33:01,600 --> 00:33:05,360 Speaker 2: processes where they may be thinking about something in the future, 504 00:33:05,520 --> 00:33:07,880 Speaker 2: like getting on the bus and having to sit next 505 00:33:07,920 --> 00:33:10,720 Speaker 2: to that person who's been mean, or thinking about the 506 00:33:10,800 --> 00:33:14,320 Speaker 2: test that's coming up. It stops that process and it 507 00:33:14,520 --> 00:33:19,600 Speaker 2: refocuses them on the immediate present. It's so helpful because 508 00:33:19,680 --> 00:33:23,560 Speaker 2: these tools regulate the nervous system in real time. 509 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:26,720 Speaker 1: And I love that these are simple enough for kids 510 00:33:26,800 --> 00:33:27,440 Speaker 1: to remember. 511 00:33:27,920 --> 00:33:31,080 Speaker 2: Yes, and once they learn it, they can teach it 512 00:33:31,120 --> 00:33:32,000 Speaker 2: to their friends. 513 00:33:32,520 --> 00:33:33,200 Speaker 1: Yeah. 514 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:38,360 Speaker 2: Parents can practice these with their children, which reinforces that 515 00:33:38,600 --> 00:33:42,280 Speaker 2: parent child connection. And that's what I love. When parents 516 00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:45,240 Speaker 2: start feeling anxious, they can even ask the child to 517 00:33:45,360 --> 00:33:49,280 Speaker 2: do one of those exercises with them. 518 00:33:49,280 --> 00:33:52,440 Speaker 1: But let's turn our attention to the spiritual side. I 519 00:33:52,480 --> 00:33:57,200 Speaker 1: know you emphasize incorporating biblical truths with science back to tools, 520 00:33:57,480 --> 00:34:01,720 Speaker 1: So how can parents incorporate fail into this? 521 00:34:01,720 --> 00:34:06,959 Speaker 2: This is where we have such a beautiful advantage as believers, 522 00:34:07,320 --> 00:34:10,520 Speaker 2: we can teach our children to bring our fears to God. 523 00:34:10,680 --> 00:34:13,560 Speaker 2: The Libyans four six through seven says, do not be 524 00:34:13,719 --> 00:34:18,840 Speaker 2: anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, 525 00:34:19,360 --> 00:34:23,439 Speaker 2: with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. So we can 526 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:30,120 Speaker 2: help our children turn their anxious thoughts into prayers. Communicate honestly. 527 00:34:30,200 --> 00:34:32,560 Speaker 2: And one of the beautiful things about that is that 528 00:34:32,640 --> 00:34:35,040 Speaker 2: it teaches them you don't have to be embarrassed about 529 00:34:35,040 --> 00:34:35,799 Speaker 2: your feelings. 530 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:39,120 Speaker 1: Yeah, And I was also thinking it helps us as 531 00:34:39,200 --> 00:34:42,120 Speaker 1: parents also learn to do this and it becomes this 532 00:34:42,280 --> 00:34:46,760 Speaker 1: family practice, And it's such a powerful habit to build 533 00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:48,040 Speaker 1: early on, isn't it? 534 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:50,640 Speaker 2: Oh? It is? And I wish that I had learned 535 00:34:50,680 --> 00:34:55,600 Speaker 2: that much earlier than I did. And parent prayer with truth, 536 00:34:55,880 --> 00:35:01,799 Speaker 2: like memorizing scripture, helps rewire ours patterns over time. I 537 00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:05,040 Speaker 2: wish that I had learned that as an anxious child 538 00:35:05,280 --> 00:35:07,719 Speaker 2: instead of having to wait until I was in my 539 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:08,680 Speaker 2: adult years. 540 00:35:09,200 --> 00:35:11,759 Speaker 1: Right, And you know, I'm sitting here listening and I 541 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:14,920 Speaker 1: can almost hear parents, some of them are asking, what 542 00:35:15,000 --> 00:35:18,440 Speaker 1: if I'm make you my child's anxiety worse without realizing it. 543 00:35:18,840 --> 00:35:23,960 Speaker 2: Well, first of all, grace upon grace upon grace, that 544 00:35:24,239 --> 00:35:28,279 Speaker 2: is such an honest and humble question. And the truth is, 545 00:35:28,719 --> 00:35:34,520 Speaker 2: sometimes unintentionally, we as parents do reinforce anxiety, but when 546 00:35:34,520 --> 00:35:38,360 Speaker 2: we know better, we do better. So, for example, over 547 00:35:38,840 --> 00:35:44,799 Speaker 2: reassuring or trying to remove every stressor or helping our 548 00:35:44,880 --> 00:35:49,200 Speaker 2: children to avoid those things that induce anxiety can teach 549 00:35:49,280 --> 00:35:52,440 Speaker 2: the brain that the situation truly is dangerous. See. The 550 00:35:52,480 --> 00:35:55,800 Speaker 2: problem is is that the brain doesn't have a way 551 00:35:56,000 --> 00:36:01,919 Speaker 2: of distinguishing perceived versus real danger. So it's key for 552 00:36:02,040 --> 00:36:06,520 Speaker 2: parents to monitor your own emotions because, as we said, 553 00:36:06,600 --> 00:36:09,000 Speaker 2: our kids pay attention not only to what we say, 554 00:36:09,320 --> 00:36:12,759 Speaker 2: but how we act, and if we're anxious, they will 555 00:36:12,760 --> 00:36:17,880 Speaker 2: pick up on things like our irritability and that communicates 556 00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:20,840 Speaker 2: to them they have a reason to be anxious. But 557 00:36:20,920 --> 00:36:23,600 Speaker 2: there's really good news, and that is that you don't 558 00:36:23,640 --> 00:36:27,239 Speaker 2: have to be perfect to be effective. The key is 559 00:36:27,320 --> 00:36:31,480 Speaker 2: to validate that your child is experiencing a feeling while 560 00:36:31,520 --> 00:36:34,680 Speaker 2: still encouraging growth. So you might say things like I 561 00:36:34,880 --> 00:36:38,319 Speaker 2: see that that feels scary, but I believe that you 562 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:42,440 Speaker 2: can handle it. God promises he goes with us in 563 00:36:42,560 --> 00:36:46,680 Speaker 2: every situation, so you're not handling it alone, you're handling 564 00:36:46,719 --> 00:36:50,000 Speaker 2: it with God on your side, and that balance engages 565 00:36:50,120 --> 00:36:54,440 Speaker 2: both emotional safety and cognitive strength. And like we were 566 00:36:54,480 --> 00:36:57,600 Speaker 2: talking about with Philippians four, six or seven, it reminds 567 00:36:57,640 --> 00:37:00,359 Speaker 2: us that when we bring our anxieties to God, it's 568 00:37:00,560 --> 00:37:03,680 Speaker 2: his peace that guards our hearts and minds. And that's 569 00:37:03,800 --> 00:37:07,960 Speaker 2: true for us parents too, the friends. We want to 570 00:37:07,960 --> 00:37:13,319 Speaker 2: offer more additional practical encouragement for you right after this 571 00:37:13,400 --> 00:37:14,680 Speaker 2: brief word from our sponsor. 572 00:37:17,320 --> 00:37:21,520 Speaker 1: All right, let's get really practical. How can I calm 573 00:37:21,520 --> 00:37:25,760 Speaker 1: my child down in the moment, like during those stressful mornings. 574 00:37:26,400 --> 00:37:29,080 Speaker 2: In those moments, we want to focus on calming the 575 00:37:29,080 --> 00:37:34,400 Speaker 2: body first, because a disregulated brain cannot process logic. So 576 00:37:34,480 --> 00:37:38,120 Speaker 2: simple tools like the deep breathing in hell for four, 577 00:37:38,400 --> 00:37:41,960 Speaker 2: hold for two, exhale for six helps reset that nervous 578 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:45,680 Speaker 2: system right there in the moment. Those grounding exercises like 579 00:37:45,840 --> 00:37:49,040 Speaker 2: naming what you see here, feel they bring the brain 580 00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:55,439 Speaker 2: out of panic mode. And your presence matters more than 581 00:37:55,480 --> 00:38:00,160 Speaker 2: your words. So a calm tone, a steady posture, and 582 00:38:00,400 --> 00:38:06,840 Speaker 2: even a gentle touch communicates safety, which helps minimize the anxiety. 583 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,359 Speaker 2: So I'm forty six ten says be still and know 584 00:38:10,440 --> 00:38:13,760 Speaker 2: that I am God. Sometimes we help our children access 585 00:38:13,840 --> 00:38:19,280 Speaker 2: that stillness physically before they can access it spiritually. 586 00:38:19,160 --> 00:38:22,440 Speaker 1: Which is so helpful. What I have to tell be 587 00:38:22,520 --> 00:38:25,839 Speaker 1: honest though here too, parents also wonder what do I 588 00:38:25,920 --> 00:38:28,160 Speaker 1: actually say to my child when they're anxious. 589 00:38:28,960 --> 00:38:33,160 Speaker 2: That's an important question because our words matter. We want 590 00:38:33,200 --> 00:38:37,920 Speaker 2: to avoid dismissing by saying things like you're fine, and 591 00:38:37,960 --> 00:38:44,640 Speaker 2: we want to avoid amplifying fear like that's really hard. Instead, 592 00:38:44,840 --> 00:38:50,279 Speaker 2: we aim for truth and reassurance. So try phrases like 593 00:38:50,600 --> 00:38:54,959 Speaker 2: I can see this feels scary, You're not alone, I'm 594 00:38:54,960 --> 00:38:59,759 Speaker 2: with you. Yeah, you know what you've done really hard 595 00:38:59,800 --> 00:39:03,359 Speaker 2: to before. Yeah. And one of the ones that I 596 00:39:03,400 --> 00:39:07,640 Speaker 2: love is saying we can trust God with this together. 597 00:39:08,160 --> 00:39:12,760 Speaker 2: So what we're doing is helping reframe their thoughts while 598 00:39:12,880 --> 00:39:16,160 Speaker 2: keeping connection. And Isaiah forty one to ten is a 599 00:39:16,200 --> 00:39:19,520 Speaker 2: beautiful truth to speak over them. Do not fear, for 600 00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:23,279 Speaker 2: I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you. 601 00:39:24,880 --> 00:39:28,920 Speaker 1: I feel encouraged just listening to you. So how do 602 00:39:28,960 --> 00:39:32,920 Speaker 1: we help our kids not just survive school, but actually 603 00:39:32,960 --> 00:39:34,120 Speaker 1: build confidence? 604 00:39:34,600 --> 00:39:40,759 Speaker 2: So here's what's key. Confidence comes from experience, not avoidance. 605 00:39:41,200 --> 00:39:44,480 Speaker 2: When we avoid things that make us anxious, what that 606 00:39:44,640 --> 00:39:48,760 Speaker 2: does is it denigrates our confidence. So confidence only comes 607 00:39:48,800 --> 00:39:52,720 Speaker 2: from experience. So each time a child faces something hard 608 00:39:52,960 --> 00:39:57,440 Speaker 2: and gets through it, the brain we rewires to say 609 00:39:57,640 --> 00:40:00,439 Speaker 2: I did it, I can handle this. Yes, So we 610 00:40:00,560 --> 00:40:05,400 Speaker 2: celebrate effort, not just outcomes, and we remind them of 611 00:40:05,600 --> 00:40:11,319 Speaker 2: past successes, and we gradually increase the challenges, and spiritually 612 00:40:11,600 --> 00:40:15,799 Speaker 2: we anchor their identity not in their performance, but in 613 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:19,000 Speaker 2: who God says they are. When a child knows that 614 00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:23,680 Speaker 2: they are loved, chosen, and never alone, that becomes the 615 00:40:23,719 --> 00:40:26,120 Speaker 2: foundation for real confidence. 616 00:40:27,080 --> 00:40:31,520 Speaker 1: So encouraging. Now let's talk about a harder situation. What 617 00:40:31,680 --> 00:40:35,920 Speaker 1: if my child refuses to go to school altogether. 618 00:40:36,560 --> 00:40:42,040 Speaker 2: So let me first acknowledge that's incredibly stressful for parents 619 00:40:43,440 --> 00:40:48,759 Speaker 2: and it often signals more than significant anxiety. So in 620 00:40:48,800 --> 00:40:53,680 Speaker 2: those cases, we want to respond with both compassion and structure. 621 00:40:54,160 --> 00:40:58,879 Speaker 2: So we validate the fear, but we don't allow avoidance 622 00:40:58,960 --> 00:41:01,879 Speaker 2: to become the long term solution, and we may need 623 00:41:01,920 --> 00:41:07,080 Speaker 2: to involve teachers, counselors, or professionals to create a support plan. 624 00:41:07,239 --> 00:41:11,800 Speaker 2: This isn't failure, it's actually an opportunity for additional support. 625 00:41:12,040 --> 00:41:14,960 Speaker 2: You am reminded of Galatian six' to, two which says 626 00:41:15,200 --> 00:41:20,640 Speaker 2: carry each other's, burdens and sometimes that means inviting others 627 00:41:20,719 --> 00:41:24,040 Speaker 2: into the. Process if it's gotten to such a point 628 00:41:24,280 --> 00:41:27,560 Speaker 2: that they're so, avoidant we need to enlist the help of. 629 00:41:27,600 --> 00:41:30,919 Speaker 1: Others so when should a parent seek professional? 630 00:41:30,960 --> 00:41:37,200 Speaker 2: Help if anxiety is, persistent it's, worsening or it's interfering 631 00:41:37,280 --> 00:41:42,280 Speaker 2: with daily functioning like school, attendance, relationships or physical, health 632 00:41:42,320 --> 00:41:46,399 Speaker 2: it's time to seek professional support because early intervention can 633 00:41:46,440 --> 00:41:50,480 Speaker 2: make a tremendous. Difference the sooner we can halt this 634 00:41:50,680 --> 00:41:54,840 Speaker 2: response and teach coping, strategies the better off they'll. Be 635 00:41:55,040 --> 00:41:57,640 Speaker 2: AND i always remind parents seeking help is not a 636 00:41:57,680 --> 00:42:00,400 Speaker 2: sign of, weakness is actually a step of whist them and. 637 00:42:00,520 --> 00:42:03,640 Speaker 2: Love if we remember proverbs of love and, fourteen it 638 00:42:03,640 --> 00:42:07,840 Speaker 2: says in the multitude of counselors there is. Safety So 639 00:42:07,960 --> 00:42:10,600 Speaker 2: god often provides help through. 640 00:42:10,680 --> 00:42:13,960 Speaker 1: Others all, Right, well before we wrap, UP i want 641 00:42:13,960 --> 00:42:16,759 Speaker 1: to talk directly to the parents, listening because let's be, 642 00:42:16,800 --> 00:42:19,200 Speaker 1: honest this season can be stressful for them. 643 00:42:19,239 --> 00:42:23,400 Speaker 2: Too oh for, sure parents often carry their own anxieties 644 00:42:23,480 --> 00:42:27,080 Speaker 2: about their child's, success their, safety or their social. 645 00:42:27,160 --> 00:42:30,520 Speaker 1: Experiences so what would you say to the parent who feels. 646 00:42:30,680 --> 00:42:36,560 Speaker 2: Overwhelmed first of, all you're not. Alone and, second your 647 00:42:36,719 --> 00:42:41,520 Speaker 2: presence matters more than your. Perfection your child doesn't need 648 00:42:41,560 --> 00:42:45,880 Speaker 2: a flawless, parent they need a connected one and that's so. 649 00:42:46,160 --> 00:42:50,919 Speaker 2: Freeing and, remember your peace sets the tone for your. 650 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:55,439 Speaker 2: Home isaiah twenty six' three reminds us you will keep 651 00:42:55,480 --> 00:43:00,440 Speaker 2: in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because because 652 00:43:00,560 --> 00:43:04,520 Speaker 2: they trust. In you so when we as parents anchor 653 00:43:04,600 --> 00:43:09,440 Speaker 2: Ourselves in, god's truth we create an environment of peace for, 654 00:43:09,560 --> 00:43:10,640 Speaker 2: our children. 655 00:43:10,480 --> 00:43:10,960 Speaker 1: And that's a. 656 00:43:11,120 --> 00:43:16,040 Speaker 2: Beautiful, picture also don't hesitate to seek help. If needed 657 00:43:16,120 --> 00:43:19,080 Speaker 2: there is no shame to reaching out to a counselor or. A, 658 00:43:19,120 --> 00:43:21,440 Speaker 2: specialist really support can make a. 659 00:43:21,600 --> 00:43:26,480 Speaker 1: Significant Difference, doctor michelle this has been. INCREDIBLY helpful i 660 00:43:26,560 --> 00:43:30,719 Speaker 1: know parents are walking away with both understanding and, practical 661 00:43:30,760 --> 00:43:35,800 Speaker 1: tools and, most. IMPORTANTLY hope i think parents are listening 662 00:43:35,800 --> 00:43:38,920 Speaker 1: and they're going to start this back to school process 663 00:43:39,000 --> 00:43:41,520 Speaker 1: feeling both equipped and encouraged and. 664 00:43:41,640 --> 00:43:45,000 Speaker 2: Not alone and that's always our goal to bring hope 665 00:43:45,040 --> 00:43:47,040 Speaker 2: and healing through both science. 666 00:43:47,120 --> 00:43:50,919 Speaker 1: And, scripture friends if this episode, encouraged you we'd love 667 00:43:50,960 --> 00:43:53,120 Speaker 1: for you to share it with another parent who might. 668 00:43:53,160 --> 00:43:55,920 Speaker 1: Need it, and remember you don't have to navigate. 669 00:43:56,000 --> 00:44:00,640 Speaker 2: Anxiety alone and as you head into this new, school 670 00:44:00,719 --> 00:44:04,799 Speaker 2: season may you and your child walk, in, peace confidence 671 00:44:04,880 --> 00:44:09,120 Speaker 2: and the Assurance that god is with you every step of. 672 00:44:09,160 --> 00:44:12,000 Speaker 2: The way it's our prayer for you that this back 673 00:44:12,040 --> 00:44:16,840 Speaker 2: to school season will be a, less stressful, more peaceful and. Confident, 674 00:44:16,880 --> 00:44:21,080 Speaker 2: one friends we've enjoyed sharing another episode of your hope 675 00:44:21,080 --> 00:44:23,480 Speaker 2: filed perspective, with you and we look forward to being 676 00:44:23,520 --> 00:44:27,040 Speaker 2: with you again. Next week, until then it's my prayer 677 00:44:27,080 --> 00:44:30,440 Speaker 2: for you that you have a hope. Fuilled week. 678 00:44:32,080 --> 00:44:35,400 Speaker 3: Are you or your group looking for a speaker for 679 00:44:35,520 --> 00:44:39,480 Speaker 3: your next event? Or gathering nothing Delights Doctor Michelle bankson 680 00:44:39,560 --> 00:44:42,640 Speaker 3: moore than connecting with her audiences and sharing from her 681 00:44:42,760 --> 00:44:47,200 Speaker 3: professional expertise and personal experience to champion others in. Their 682 00:44:47,280 --> 00:44:50,880 Speaker 3: journey she has spoken on a wide variety, of topics including, 683 00:44:51,000 --> 00:44:54,439 Speaker 3: hope prevails living the Abundant life christ came to give 684 00:44:54,680 --> 00:44:57,520 Speaker 3: the hem of, his garment reaching Out to god when 685 00:44:57,600 --> 00:45:01,239 Speaker 3: pain overwhelms victor not a f to rid yourself of 686 00:45:01,280 --> 00:45:04,280 Speaker 3: the poisonous shame and self defeat in, Your life walking 687 00:45:04,320 --> 00:45:07,280 Speaker 3: in the truth of, our identity hope for the, silent epidemic, 688 00:45:07,560 --> 00:45:11,319 Speaker 3: understanding depression in children and teens and breaking anxiety's grip 689 00:45:11,600 --> 00:45:15,279 Speaker 3: how to reclaim The peace. God Promises doctor benkson is 690 00:45:15,320 --> 00:45:18,239 Speaker 3: willing to tailor a message specifically to your group. Or 691 00:45:18,280 --> 00:45:22,040 Speaker 3: event past audiences have included One Hundred Honley Street, life 692 00:45:22,040 --> 00:45:26,840 Speaker 3: Today The american Association Of, Christian Counselors, Gateway Church, roaring 693 00:45:26,960 --> 00:45:30,439 Speaker 3: Lambs and Fellowship Of, professional women to name. A Few 694 00:45:30,680 --> 00:45:34,279 Speaker 3: doctor benkson is now accepting invitations for. Speaking engagements for 695 00:45:34,440 --> 00:45:37,279 Speaker 3: more information or to Contact doctor benkson to speak at, 696 00:45:37,280 --> 00:45:40,520 Speaker 3: your event reach out to our staff at info At 697 00:45:40,600 --> 00:45:47,480 Speaker 3: doctor michelle b. Dot com thank you for Joining doctor 698 00:45:47,520 --> 00:45:50,920 Speaker 3: bankson For your hope. Build perspective we hope you are 699 00:45:51,000 --> 00:45:56,239 Speaker 3: encouraged by, her, authenticity vulnerability and. Biblical truths if you enjoy, 700 00:45:56,320 --> 00:45:59,959 Speaker 3: today's conversation when you take a moment, Right now hope 701 00:46:00,239 --> 00:46:02,880 Speaker 3: up your podcast app and look for the subscribe button 702 00:46:03,120 --> 00:46:06,000 Speaker 3: bright next to our podcast. Profile image we think this 703 00:46:06,120 --> 00:46:09,000 Speaker 3: podcast is best enjoyed, with friends so tell a friend 704 00:46:09,120 --> 00:46:11,880 Speaker 3: and click share in your podcast app and send a 705 00:46:11,920 --> 00:46:15,080 Speaker 3: friend our link To share hope. With them if you have, a, 706 00:46:15,120 --> 00:46:18,319 Speaker 3: comment question or suggest a topic for a, future show 707 00:46:18,560 --> 00:46:21,720 Speaker 3: reach out to our staff at Info At hope prevails. 708 00:46:21,880 --> 00:46:26,480 Speaker 3: Dot org for, additional resources information About doctor bankson's books where, 709 00:46:26,520 --> 00:46:29,919 Speaker 3: free downloads or to contact her to speak at your, 710 00:46:30,000 --> 00:46:34,600 Speaker 3: next event please Visit doctor mishelbe. Dot com until, next 711 00:46:34,600 --> 00:46:37,640 Speaker 3: time may you have a hope. Filled week. 712 00:46:40,400 --> 00:46:42,840 Speaker 2: I'd like to take just a second to thank the 713 00:46:42,880 --> 00:46:45,799 Speaker 2: Team At life audio for their partnership with us on. 714 00:46:45,840 --> 00:46:48,799 Speaker 2: This podcast if you go to lifeaudio, dot com you'll 715 00:46:48,800 --> 00:46:52,520 Speaker 2: find dozens of other faith centered podcasts in. Their network 716 00:46:52,640 --> 00:46:56,359 Speaker 2: they've got shows, About prayer, bible, study parenting. And more