10/04/2024
I often hear parents say you are doing a great job raising two amazing girls. That often breaks my heart. I wish others could see like many parents I have a high achieving daughter with anxiety who is a scary beast behind the plate but inside doubts herself constantly. I am doing a good job well a great job given the circumstances. But when I hear those phrases or see the FB posts about their star student who is perfect and never struggles, I feel like an epic failure. I feel like I did something wrong to have a young teen with so much pain and hurt.
When I hear at school meetings, “well she always looks so happy or is so loud and bubbly” . I want to scream. That is her masking her feelings and her deep dark pain. When we had horrible coaches in youth sports who made her question her abilities, I want to scream. She was a developing child and you killed her spirit. Anxiety is part of life and for many of us a daily presence.
So make sure you recognize when anxiety is becoming a problem for your child and address it head on. Addressing childhood anxiety as early as Kindergarten can reduce its impact as they mature. Also remember anxiety looks different during the teen years, it can be perfectionism, physical complaints , performance in sports, academics, their bodies, and and how they are perceived. So check in frequently and ask for help when needed. Consult your P*P or reach out to a specialist. We are here to help!
