#114: Managing Stress and Recognizing Anxiety in Children with Renee Slaven (pediatric series)
“The great thing about kids is they are terrible poker players. Right? They show everything. They cry, they shut down, they retreat. And so you can pretty much look and read and see something is going on and maybe I need to shift what we’re doing in our family because it’s just not working for them.” -Renee Slaven
Stress is a common part of life as a human, however sometimes stress can be harmful to our health and wellbeing. Children can experience stress just as much as adults can. One of the pillars of lifestyle medicine is to manage stress, but many parents may not know how to help their children learn these skills and tools.
In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I have a very helpful conversation with Renee Slaven, who is a licensed independent social worker that helps children with anxiety and other mental health issues.
We discuss:
The definition of stress
How children commonly experience stress
The difference between good stress and bad stress
Signs that stress is becoming chronic and potentially harmful
Signs and symptoms that children exhibit when they are chronically stressed
What parents can do to help children manage stress
Lifestyle habits that families can integrate to help manage stress
How anxiety is different from stress
Signs and symptoms that children may benefit from professional help
Why parents should also work to address their own mental health
What she wishes more parents knew
Her wildest dream for children’s mental health
The personal habit she is most proud of
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Renee Slaven
More about my honored guest:
Renee Slaven is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and obtained her Masters in Social Work degree from Eastern Washington University in 2004. She currently owns a private practice serving young children, youth and families who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral issues. She has extensive training in pediatric anxiety, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Tic and Tourette disorders, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ms. Slaven has had a variety of work experience from direct practice in an outpatient community mental health clinic, to working alongside families involved in the child welfare system, management and clinical supervision, and grant writing and program management of a home visiting program for parents and families with very young children. Additionally, she is trained in play therapies to assist young children with attachment and developmental disorders. Ms. Slaven is also an Affiliate Professor for Boise State School of Social Work Online. In her spare time, she has two active boys, ages 12 and 9, that keep her busy as well as enjoys crochets, baking, and listening to live music.
You can learn more at: www.reneeslaven.com
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
Call to Action —> Start talking about feelings with your children!
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