Episode 12: Anxiety Runs in Families-What Parents Can Do to Break the Pattern

Parent Anxiety Is Real: My Story, Nervous-System Tools, and How to Build Your Support Team

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Anxiety is rising—and it often runs in families. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, I (Jami Glenn, Emotional Wellness Coach for Families) share how anxiety showed up in my childhood, how counseling flipped the lights on in my 20s, and the simple, body-first tools I still use as a mom. If you’re an anxious parent raising an anxious kid, you’ll find validation, language for what you’re feeling, and practical next steps you can try today.

 

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety is often intergenerational. Many anxious kids have at least one anxious parent. Naming that reduces shame.

• Validation is powerful. The right counselor + compassionate language can immediately bring relief and direction.

• Anxiety is a body-first experience. Move the energy (walks, runs, classes) to prevent rumination and agitation.

• Curate your inputs. Swap TV news for reading; don’t expose kids’ developing brains to scary loops.

• Relationships regulate. Coffee with a friend, a phone call, or a walk-and-talk can downshift your nervous system fast.

• Build your support team. Counseling, coaching, medical/holistic care—different seasons call for different resources.

• Track your “warning lights.” Early cues (like 4 a.m. spirals) mean it’s time to use your tools on purpose.

Try-It-Today Toolkit

• 5-Minute Reset: Go outside and walk to the end of the street and back—notice your breath and feet.

• Content Audit: Mute one account, turn off autoplay news, or switch to reading headlines only.

• Connection Cue: Text a friend for a 10-minute call or schedule a coffee walk this week.

• Name the Spiral: Write the worry once; set a 2-minute timer; then choose one small action (drink water, stretch, step outside).

• Team Builder: List 2 pros you might add (counselor, coach, PCP/holistic practitioner) and send one inquiry.

Resources Mentioned 

• Counseling/therapy (find a good fit; it’s okay to try again)

• Body movement you actually enjoy (walks, runs, group classes)

• Supportive friends/community (coffee, calls, walk-and-talks)

• Holistic/medical support (labs, vitamins, whole-person care)

Next Steps:

If this episode was helpful, share it with one parent friend who needs some calm today.