My daughter is 6 years old and in the first grade. She can be very outgoing, but she's also shown signs of extreme anxiety (what-if thoughts, mini panic attacks, etc.).

As I go through the Midwest Program, I've been teaching her some of the skills I've been learning. (She especially likes the stop sign image to stop scary thoughts.)

Last month, she decided she was going to sing a solo in her school's talent show. She practiced her song (over and over and over). Well, yesterday she DID it! She got up on stage with the microphone clutched in her hand and belted out that song. The entire school was in attendance, with a scattering of parents -- that's almost 500 people! My husband and my parents attended, also -- I think we were more nervous than she was!

I talked to her about it later and she said "Mom, I was SO nervous." I told her how proud I was of her.

Anyway, one of the lessons I learned from her is to Just Do It. Just like the Nike commercial. She had a goal, practiced, and jumped right in, anxiety and all. She didn't have all the notes right and she forgot one line, but no-one cared that it wasn't perfect.

Oh Emily how great for her and you!! Just think how prepared she will be with all these skills! I wished I had gotten the program earlier. My daughter is anxious and I've been sharing the program with her also. Not sure if she has anxiety or just a teenage thing were they think everything is so important and everyone is looking at them, ( the hair, clothes etc....)
She does have alot of stomachaches before events though. I figure these skills can help anyone, anxiety or not. Now if I can get the hubbie to try them...........!

Thanks for sharing your story. I needed an uplifting one today!

Awesome! My daughter is also six. She has horrible anxiety, mostly in the form of what ifing and IBS. A few months ago, she decided that she was going to do a jazz solo at dance class. I never thought she'd go through with it in a million years, (because of course I wouldn't) but she did it and I was so proud of her!!!! She forgot a few seconds of the dance and she messed some things up, but no one cared because she tried. Talk about a great lesson to us parents with anxiety, huh?

I keep hearing Lucinda's voice saying, "the only failure is if you never try".

Tell your daughter we are ALL proud of her!!!

Erin

Emily that's so great!!
This makes me think of the part in the tapes where Caroline says her daughter told her how Awesome it was to see her change.
We have so many skills now that our children will benefit from.

tracy

Emily,

How wonderful! I also have taught my daughter (13) the skills in the program. She listens to the tapes herself now. She doesnt have the tummy aches half as much as she used to.

Erin,
Have you read Eating for IBS by Heather Van Vorous? It may be helpful will her ibs. I am just trying it out now. My ibs has been acting up lately so this is a good time to try for me.

Our kids are actually blessed to have us as their parents. We can help them thru it with skills that will last a lifetime.

Reena