your energy. These triggers can vary in intensity and may lead to persistent feelings of anxiety in parents, affecting their daily lives and decisionmaking processes. Worrying is a natural part of the parenting journey. However, persistent parental anxiety, the type where you are consistently and overly worried about everything that could go wrong with your child or family, can be debilitating and harmful to your mental and physical health. How can parents increase peace and reduce anxiety? 1. Social Support Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or family member can help you connect with others facing similar challenges. A parent coach or therapist can offer perspective and specific tools to handle conwill impact their future interactions. Social anxiety may lead to depression or lack of confidence, which can cause parents to have sleepless nights or feel helpless. Parenting Decisions: Anxiety about making the right choices regarding discipline, screen time, nutrition, and other aspects of upbringing. Many parents believe their beliefs are the right choices for their children. Overwhelm of making the right choices may lead parents to question their parenting skills. Future Concerns: Fears about the child’s future, career, independence, or overall well-being. Any fears relate to a parent’s experience with past mistakes or perceived failures. What happens in your child’s life is beyond your control. Excessive worry about things you cannot change or influence only drains Seeking advice from pediatricians, joining parenting groups, and relying on the support of family and friends can provide reassurance and practical advice. 134 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 "Persistent parental anxiety can be debilitating and harmful to your mental and physical health."
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