Parenting for all Ages - with extra love to anxious kiddos!

You've got struggles? We've got answers.

Parenting will be the most rewarding and underpaid job you will ever do. Unfortunately parenting doesn't come with a parenting manual. From how to manage your toddler to how to control your teen - we've got you covered every step of the way.

Toddlers

Raising a toddler? Yikes! Get some help.

Kids

Need help with your kids? You are not alone! Soak up one of these articles.

Teens

Are you parenting a teen? Don't worry, it won't last forever. Grab a seat and get some support.

Anxiety & OCD

Struggling with child anxiety and/or OCD in your home? Get some expert advice from a child therapist in the trenches with you.

Episode 42: Reduce Anxiety in Kids with Visual Imagery

You are at your wit’s end. Your child’s mind is spinning out of control. It is waaay past her bedtime. “But what if…” you hear her little voice start to say. “Enough! Just go to bed!” You shout, feeling guilty before you even finish your sentence. How can you get that little mind to stop? What can reduce anxiety in kids?

Maybe I can help? I am a big fan of teaching kids to tackle their thoughts behind their anxiety. But once that is done, kids need a go-to distraction. One of my favorite approaches is teaching kids how to make, what I call, a world. It is a great visual imagery tool that can be very effective!

PSP 030: When Child Anxiety & OCD Look Like Oppositional Defiance

“No!” He screams at the top of his lungs. “I’m not doing it!” You look at his red, sweaty face and you know what is about to come. You have seen that lost look many times before. You hold your breath and wait for the inevitable. He rages. He destroys. He brings chaos to the entire family. And then…he is done. Exhausted, no more fight left in him. A wake of destruction left in his path. Everybody wants to tell you your son has issues with oppositional defiance, but you know under all that rage is an anxious, scared boy.

Ask the Child Therapist Episode 41: Preparing Anxious Kids for the First Day of Kindergarten

It seems like just yesterday you were wiping her bottom and picking up Cheerios off the floor. And now you are scrolling down the grocery aisle going through the list of school supplies, trying to find an 8 pack of washable markers. When did this happen? When you look at your daughter she still looks so young. Is she ready for the stream of kids and chaos school will bring? Is there anything you should be doing to prepare her for the first day of kindergarten?

Caren

Mother of twin girls

"I immensely enjoyed the creative ways to get kids to Listen. I found the sessions just the right length. It was also so good to have you demonstrate the example situations and what you have done with your own children. Being able to relate to another person (and not a book or cd) was great."

Kathleen

Mom to a 3 and 5 year old

“We have watched the course and we loved it so much so that we even re-watched some of the videos and have changed our entire parenting style. You opened our eyes in many ways. We are undermining each other less. Not only has our relationship improved, but the ones with our children have gotten better. I find myself yelling less and the kids are listening more. I cannot thank you enough.”

Cindy

Mom of two

"I believe this course is going to help us tremendously, as we now know what to look for, how to manage it and tools we can teach my son to fight his anxiety. There are several things we were doing wrong, and I'm excited to make the recommended changes from the course and see how he responds."

Mother of 7 year old twins

Kristina

"Natasha Daniels is always my go to person when it comes to anxiety questions. Natasha's ability to assess a child for anxiety and her knowledge of possible interventions has made her a valuable resource to therapists and families."

Sandie Miller

LCSW Child Therapist

Resources

Parenting can be tough! Get some support with these resources.

Child Therapist’s Ultimate List of Products to Help Reduce Child Anxiety

As a child therapist and mom to three anxious kids, I am constantly looking for products to help child anxiety. Here are my recommendations along with how they can be used.

Parenting Programs and Videos

Life can be hectic. Who has time to read or go visit a professional these days? Watch some quick 5 to 15 minute parenting videos taught by a child therapist on anxiety and body safety.

Parenting E-Courses

Are you looking for parenting support? Anxious Toddlers e-courses are taught by a child therapist at your own speed, when YOU have the time.

The Face Behind Anxious Toddlers

My name is Natasha Daniels and I am a Child Therapist and mother to three vibrant, challenging and insightful children who keep me on my toes! I have spent the last tweave years working with children and families in my private practice Hill Child Counseling.

Kids are my passion – especially anxious kids and kids with OCD. Having been an anxious kid and now raising three anxious kids of my own, I get anxiety and OCD on a very personal level. I have dedicated my practice and my writing to helping kids with anxiety/OCD and their families.

I am the author of Anxiety Sucks! A Teen Survival Guide and How to Parent Your Anxious Toddler. I am the creator of AnxiousToddlers.com and the Psychcentral blog, Parenting Anxious Kids. My work has been featured on various sites including Huffington Post, Scary Mommy and The Mighty.