Your Child’s Anxiety

This session focuses on supporting your child’s mental health. Many parents share concerns about their child’s happiness and anxiety, yet often feel unsure about how to help. This session is designed to equip you with effective tools and strategies to address these challenges.

We’ll explore Jenna Riemersma’s “Move Toward” method, focusing on the steps of Notice, Notify, and Need to better understand and manage anxiety. Through practical guidance and research-backed insights, you’ll learn how to foster meaningful connections with your child, ensuring they feel supported, understood, and safe in navigating their emotions.

Instant Insights

Deep Dive

Key Takeaways for Parents and Caregivers

Assess Your Confidence

Reflect on how equipped you feel to support your child in managing anxiety, finding resources, and the community's role in mental health.

Recognize Common Concerns

You're not alone—many parents worry about their child's happiness and feel uncertain about providing the right support.

Open Up Conversations

Over 50% of parents struggle with initiating talks about their child's challenges, making this series crucial for fostering better communication.

Utilize Research Insights

Participate in periodic questionnaires to help us understand parent and child experiences, improving support strategies.

Embrace Connection

Building strong connections with your child and community is vital for supporting mental health and well-being.

Learn the "Move Toward" Method

Explore Jenna Riemersma's three-step approach—Notice, Notify, Need—to effectively address anxiety.

Start with Curiosity

Begin by noticing your child’s anxiety triggers and behaviors without judgment, fostering a curious and compassionate mindset.

Understand the Anxiety Alarm

Recognize anxiety as a natural alarm system, and identify what it might be signaling about perceived threats.

Address Anxiety Needs

Collaborate with your child to meet their anxiety's needs, whether it requires a physical outlet or emotional reassurance.

Practice the Three-Step Approach

Notice: Observe your child’s anxiety without judgment and be curious about its triggers and manifestations. Strive to learn the precursors and reactions to anxiety, recognizing both visible signs like physical distress and less obvious signs, such as irritability or avoidance behaviors.
Notify: Pay attention to what the anxiety is attempting to communicate, viewing it as an alarm system for perceived physical, emotional, or external threats. By becoming attuned to what anxiety truly represents, you can better understand your child’s fears and vulnerabilities.
Need: Respond to the anxiety alarm by identifying what your child’s anxiety needs—whether it’s a physical outlet, safety, or reassurance against unrealistic expectations. This step is about coming alongside your child, offering support, and addressing their concerns collaboratively.