We all struggle to some degree when faced with discomfort. But when you have anxiety or OCD you are faced with discomfort on a completely different level. Anxious thoughts make us uncomfortable. Intrusive thoughts that are not satiated with a compulsion lead to discomfort. When we work on anxiety or OCD, a key component is building our muscles to tolerate discomfort. This can help us beyond our anxiety or OCD. Learning how to handle any discomfort can increase resilience. Life brings discomfort in many forms. Building resilience goes beyond anxiety or OCD. It can impact how we approach life, obstacles and challenges. It can make the difference between giving up and persevering. In this week’s YouTube video I talk to kids and teens about ways to build their ability to handle discomfort beyond anxiety or OCD.

Parents often ask me if they should tell the school about their child’s anxiety or OCD. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. There are things to consider. Like does their anxiety or OCD impact their academic performance or ability to function at school? Is there a chance that they will be mislabeled or misunderstood due to their anxiety or OCD? In this week’s AT Parenting Survival Podcast I explore the areas to consider when weighing the pros and cons of telling the school about your child’s anxiety or OCD.

There may be times that our kids have to advocate for their needs when it comes to their anxiety or OCD. Learning how to find their voice and communicate their needs is a huge skill that will benefit them throughout life. When our kids depend on others to advocate their needs they can become disempowered. Learning how to be their own voice can take time. These skills don’t show up overnight, rather they are built one small step at a time. Advocating their needs doesn’t mean everyone caters to anxious avoidance or compulsions. It means they know what help they need to excel. They know what environmental factors are impeding their progress. They know what tweaks can be made that will make them thrive – and they voice them. In this week’s Youtube video for kids and teens I discuss why it’s important to advocate for their anxiety or OCD needs and how to start doing it!