140 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 child is unique and develops at their own pace. This understanding can reduce comparisons with other children and alleviate worries about perceived differences. Managing parental anxiety requires a combination of self-care, education, and support. Parents can alleviate many common concerns by staying informed about their children’s health and development. Engaging in open communication with healthcare providers, seeking support from other parents, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness or exercise can also be beneficial. Understanding that worry is a natural part of parenting and maintaining a balanced perspective can help parents navigate their anxieties more effectively, leading to a healthier and happier family dynamic. breath that fills your lungs completely. Hold Your Breath. Once you have inhaled fully, hold your breath briefly, but only if it feels comfortable. Exhale Slowly. Slowly exhale through your mouth or nose, letting the air out completely. Focus on fully emptying your lungs. Repeat. (for at least five minutes) 6. Learn about child development Developing a clear understanding of your child’s phases and stages of growth may help reduce your concerns that something could be or may inevitably go wrong. Many worries result from comparing our child to others, whether it’s on social media or with other parents who share their children’s milestones. Some kids may take longer to master a skill, but that doesn’t mean they are behind. Every “Parents can alleviate many common concerns by staying informed about their children’s health and development.” Karen K.C. Gibson Karen K.C. Gibson is a mother of two adult daughters, a wife, an educator, an author, and a parent/family coach. She is dedicated to supporting parents through the complexities of parenting. Karen guides parents in creating nurturing environments that foster resilience, responsibility, and respect in their children. She shares valuable parenting insights and tips on her social media platforms (@karenkcgibson on Instagram) and her YouTube Channel, Letting Go with Aloha. For more information about Karen K.C. Gibson, visit her website at www.LettingGowithAloha.com. Additionally, her podcast on Spotify, Letting Go with Aloha, serves as a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators.
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