How Parents Can Help an Anxious Teen | Anxiety Expert Advice

Is your child refusing to go to school? Struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, social situations, or withdrawing from friends and family? You’re not alone and there are ways to help. In this episode of Don’t Get a Therapist Yet, Wendy Castelino sits down with Dr Debra Kissen Clinical Psychologist, anxiety specialist, author, and founder of Light On Anxiety Treatment Centers to explore how parents can better understand and support children and teenagers experiencing anxiety. This conversation is designed for parents, carers, educators, and anyone supporting an anxious child or teen who wants practical guidance, real understanding, and expert-backed advice. In this episode, we discuss: Child anxiety vs normal childhood stress Early signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and teens Social anxiety and fear of judgement School anxiety and school refusal Why anxious children can appear angry, withdrawn, rude, or avoidant Panic attacks in children and what parents should do Why reassurance doesn’t always reduce anxiety How to support your child without increasing fear When to seek professional help for anxiety Parenting strategies that build confidence and emotional resilience One of the most powerful parts of this discussion is understanding that school refusal is not laziness or bad behaviour, it may be a sign that a child is struggling emotionally and needs support. Dr Debra also explains why parents naturally want to protect, rescue, and reassure their children but with anxiety, helping children gradually build confidence can often be more effective. If you’ve been searching for: • How to help an anxious child • Anxiety in children and teenagers • Child anxiety symptoms • School refusal and school avoidance • Social anxiety in teens • Panic attacks in children • Parenting an anxious child • Teen anxiety support • Child mental health advice • How to talk to your child about anxiety this episode is for you. Guest: Dr Debra Kissen Hosted by Wendy Castelino If you found this episode helpful, LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to support the channel and help more parents find practical mental health advice and anxiety support. Share this episode with someone who may need it today. 🌐 Visit Wendy's website and explore her 12 Easy Steps to Overcome Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm: https://wendycastelino.com/ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Debra Kissen and Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centres: https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/m... 📘 Dr Debra Kissen's Books: The Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids: Fun CBT Activities to Squash Your Fears and Worries, https://lightonanxiety.com/books/anxi... Overcoming Parental Anxiety: Rewire Your Brain to Worry Less and Enjoy Parenting More — https://lightonanxiety.com/books/over... Rewire Your Anxious Brain for Teens — https://lightonanxiety.com/books/#rewire 00:00 Intro & Meet Dr Debra Kissen 01:25 Anxiety Treatment & Support 02:08 Books for Parents & Teens 04:35 Anxiety or Normal Behaviour? 09:14 Stress vs Anxiety Disorder 13:03 School Refusal Explained 17:40 Helping an Anxious Child 22:16 Anxiety, Anger & Emotions 28:30 Panic Attacks in Children 34:07 Why Reassurance Backfires 38:12 Social Anxiety in Teens 46:13 When Children Stop Talking 48:49 Parent Guilt & Anxiety 52:29 Night Anxiety & Sleep Tips 56:27 Final Advice for Parents WATCH MORE VIDEOS    • Are You in a Toxic Relationship? | Attachm...      • Sexual Assault Trauma & PTSD Explained | S...      • Does My Child Have OCD? Signs, Symptoms & ...   #ChildAnxiety #TeenAnxiety #ParentingTips #SchoolRefusal #SocialAnxiety #AnxietyInChildren #ParentingSupport #ChildMentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #AnxietyHelp #UKParents #ParentingAdvice #PanicAttacks #SchoolAnxiety #MentalHealthSupport