Episode Summary
On this podcast episode Maria discusses the challenging topic of how to help children push past fear and anxiety in stressful situations. Maria shares a personal story about her daughter's experience joining a swim team at the age of 13 and how she helped her daughter navigate the fear and anxiety that came along with it. She then provides valuable insights and practical tools that parents can use to help their children manage their emotions and build resilience.
One of the most important insights that the Maria shares is the importance of shifting one's mindset towards positive outcomes. By focusing on what could go right rather than what could go wrong, children can approach challenging situations with a sense of optimism and confidence. This can be achieved by asking children to visualize what success looks like, setting realistic goals, and celebrating small wins along the way.
Another valuable tool that the author recommends is breathing techniques. The 4-7-8 method, where one inhales for four seconds, holds their breath for seven seconds, and exhales for eight seconds, is a great way to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the mind and body. This technique can be practiced in advance and can become a go-to tool for children to use when they feel stressed or anxious.
Maria shares the effectiveness of flower essences in managing anxiety. These essences are made from the essences of different flowers and can help calm the mind and body in times of stress. The Inner Peace spray by Lotus Wei is a popular choice that parents can use to help their children manage their emotions.
In addition to these practical tools, Maria emphasizes the importance of managing one's own stress and anxiety as a parent. It is important for parents to recognize when they are feeling depleted and take time to rest and recharge. By taking care of oneself, parents can better help their children navigate challenging situations and build resilience.
This episode provides a wealth of valuable information and practical tools that parents can use to help their children push past fear and anxiety in stressful situations. By focusing on positive outcomes, practicing breathing techniques, using flower essences, and managing one's own stress, parents can help their children build resilience and thrive in challenging situations. Maria's personal story and insights show that with the right tools and mindset, children can push past their fears and achieve great things.