What to Say (and Not Say) When Your Teen Is Anxious
A cheat sheet for those “I don’t know what to say” moments - so you can support your teen without making things worse or pushing them away
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What to Say (and Not Say) When Your Teen Is Anxious
A cheat sheet for those “I don’t know what to say” moments - so you can support your teen without making things worse or pushing them away
Instant access via email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
When Your Teen is Anxious, Finding the Right Response Can Feel Impossible
You’re trying to help… but your mind is racing:
Am I validating too much?
Am I being too firm?
Did I just make this worse?
Are they going to stop coming to me if I say the wrong thing?
And afterwards, you replay the moment and second-guess everything.
This cheat sheet gives you a clear starting point - what to avoid (even if it sounds supportive) and what to say instead - so you can respond with more calm, clarity and connection.
In 'What To Say (and what not to say) When Your Teen Is Anxious' you'll discover the phrases to avoid - and the phrases that help - when your teen is:
1
Worrying about something that's not likely to happen
2
Asking you for constant reassurance
3
Avoiding school, social activities or doing something new
4
Overwhelmed or melting down
5
Stuck in worst-case thinking
In 'What To Say (and what not to say) When Your Teen Is Anxious' you'll discover the phrases to avoid - and the phrases that help - when your teen is:
1
Worrying about something that's not likely to happen
2
Asking you for constant reassurance
3
Avoiding school, social activities or doing something new
4
Overwhelmed or melting down
5
Stuck in worst-case thinking
When You Know What to Say, Things Start to Change
You feel less panicky and more steady
Your teen feels less judged and more understood
You stop unintentionally reinforcing anxiety, without becoming cold or dismissive
You protect your relationship
You don't need to get it perfect, just have a better way to respond the next time you’re tired, worried and out of words.
From your coach, adolescent anxiety psychotherapist
Will Sessions
I’ve worked in schools and private practice supporting teens and young people with anxiety/OCD - and helping parents respond in ways that build coping skills and protect connection.
From your coach, adolescent anxiety psychotherapist
Will Sessions
I’ve worked in schools and private practice supporting teens and young people with anxiety/OCD - and helping parents respond in ways that build coping skills and protect connection.
Know What to Say The Next Time Anxiety Takes Hold
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This resource is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, diagnosis or medical advice. If you’re concerned about your teen’s safety, seek local professional support or emergency services.