Ep 140 with Dr. Dawn Huebner, a clinical psychologist and author of mental health books for children (including the best selling "What to do when you worry too much") discusses her newest mini book series: Mini Books About Mighty Fears. This series addresses specific fears that commonly affect children. In this conversation we discuss 2 of her mini books “Facing Mighty Fears about Being Apart from Parents” and “Facing Mighty Fears about Animals” and review strategies to help with these common summer time stressors. Dr. Dawn Huebner discusses the step-by-step method for helping kids overcome fears, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and encouragement.

Takeaways

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for helping children manage anxiety by addressing thoughts and behaviors.
• Validating children's fears and practicing exposure therapy are important strategies for helping children cope with anxiety.
• Parents should avoid common mistakes such as dismissing anxiety, overly accommodating, and trying to talk their child out of their feelings of anxiety.
• Strategies for helping children cope with anxiety related to summer camps and fear of the dark include normalization, exposure, and building familiarity with the situation.
• Gradual exposure and facing fears with empathy and encouragement can empower children to overcome anxiety and build resilience.

Quotes:

• "The goal is to teach children to change their relationship with that uncomfortable feeling of anxiety and to learn to move towards rather than reflexively away from the things that are making them feel nervous

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.