How to Keep From Passing Your Fears & Anxieties On to Your Kids

A child whose parent suffers from anxiety is more likely to develop the disorder, and studies show that genetic changes from experiencing trauma can be passed down to children or grandchildren. While you may dread small talk and happy hours, you probably don't want your child to feel the same way about playdates and parties. This may limit social opportunities for the child, putting them at a disadvantage in terms of building social skills, and potentially passing down social insecurity. Somich says you can enlist the help of a trusted adult to provide your children with healthy exposure to social situations: "This way your child can see that it is possible to feel comfortable and regulated in social environments. You can talk through your fears with your child by saying, "I am feeling anxious right now because I'm not used to flying. If you see your child modeling your own fears, anxieties, and neuroses, Turner says it is never too early to seek professional help. "Just because a parent may struggle with some fears does not automatically mean the child will develop similar fears," Turner says.

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