Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and fulfillment. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties, which can trigger anxiety in many parents. Parental anxiety is a widespread concern that can significantly impact the well-being of both parents and children. In this blog post, I will delve into the common signs of parental anxiety and explore effective steps to navigate symptoms.
As a therapist and a parent, I see many different family cultures and patterns. I work with parents whom struggle with driving in a vehicle with their child, or avoid taking them to public spaces due to fear or anxiety. I also work with family's who frequent the ER because rough play is a norm for their family. I even remember being anxious taking my newborn to target for the first six months of their life and thinking "What is this, you love target". Every individual or family comes with a unique experience and none are right or wrong. What is most important is that you find what "works" for your family. My goal of this blog post is to reach those who are starting to notice that it is not "working" for them and anxiety is winning or taking from their desired lifestyle. Below are some steps to check in with yourself.
Start with the prompt, "how has my lifestyle changed since becoming a parent, do I avoid things I love due to a fear that is connected with my child?"
I. Recognizing Signs of Parental Anxiety: Parental anxiety can manifest in various ways and may differ from person to person. Here are some common signs to increase awareness around:
Excessive Worry: Constant worry about the safety, health, or well-being of your child, often noticing it creep up throughout the day.
Overprotective Behavior: An overwhelming need to shield your child from any potential harm, leading to an excessively cautious or controlling parenting style.
Hyper-Vigilance: Constantly being on high alert, feeling the need to be constantly aware of every potential danger or risk around your child.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to your child's safety or well-being.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or increased heart rate when faced with situations that trigger anxiety.
Constant "What If" Thinking: Engaging in repetitive and distressing thoughts about worst-case scenarios or catastrophic outcomes regarding your child's safety.
II. Helpful Tips to decrease Anxiety:
Self-Care and Support:
Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy.
Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide empathy, understanding, and practical advice.
2. Education:
Research child development and safety to gain a realistic perspective on potential risks and how to mitigate them effectively. You may be surprised to learn that your child does crave natural risk, and it is healthy!
Learn about evidence-based parenting strategies that can help foster resilience and independence in your child.
3. Speak vulnerably with your partner
Discuss family values, and share desires for family lifestyle.
Make an effort to take on low level anxiety provoking steps together.
4. Speaking with a therapist:
Make an appointment with a licensed professional to increase your understanding of anxiety, and discover an awareness around family patterns, or avoidance behaviors.
Parental anxiety is a common phenomenon that can impact both parents and their children. Parents have a natural response to protect and prevent any harm to their children, it can be hard to know "how much is too much." Take a moment to reflect on this blog post, what comes up for you? Are you avoiding things you enjoy? Do you panic at the thought of getting out of routine? Take a deep breath, you are not alone. Let's find a better balance as parents and regain the life we desire.
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