Parenting is often described as one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but for many parents, worry and anxiety overshadow the joy. Why does it feel so difficult to stay calm and make clear decisions, especially when your child is distressed? How can you maintain your emotional and mental well-being during parenting challenges? According to Dr. Debra Kissen, an internationally recognized anxiety expert and author, the parent brain is wired for survival, attuning deeply to a child’s emotions through empathy and mirror neurons. While essential for bonding, this connection can amplify anxiety when parents feel their child’s distress as their own. The result is a cycle of heightened emotions where both parent and child struggle to cope effectively. By understanding this wiring and implementing tools for emotional regulation, parents can disrupt the cycle, build confidence, and guide their children through challenges while remaining calm.
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Debra Kissen, CEO and Founder of Light On Anxiety Treatment Centers, about overcoming parental anxiety by rewiring the brain. They explore how to identify and manage emotional triggers, practical tools for staying calm in stressful moments, and strategies for fostering self-compassion as a parent. Dr. Kissen also shares advice on relinquishing control and finding more joy in everyday parenting.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [00:00] Introduction
- [03:08] Dr. Debra Kissen explains why she wrote a book about overcoming parental anxiety
- [06:49] Why parents are wired to expect danger
- [11:56] The anxiety cycle between parents and children
- 17:46] Calming techniques to manage stress effectively
- [22:41] Ways to practice self-compassion and reduce critical self-talk
- [28:13] The value of being present with your child
- 31:57] Releasing the grip of past experiences on current parenting
- [38:11] How to relinquish control to improve parent-child relationships In this episode…
