Dear Readers,

Someone recently asked if her 13 year old daughter could do the program by herself. My response follows; I am posting it because this is a very common question.

"absolutely she can do the program-but because it is geared to adults and the speakers are adult, I would let her listen to half of the tape and then discuss it as it relates to her. Then the next day I'd do the same with the last half of the CD/Tape. The following day I would have her read the text for the lesson. The following day I would have her journal her answers to the homework. Next day, listen to the lesson again.

Every day: read the flash card, in the morning, that goes with the weekly lesson, exercise for 30 min., listen to the relaxation exercise before bed and after/before school.

When an opportunity to "teach" appears-like my tummy hurts when I brush my hair a certain way= "Honey your tummy hurts because you are thinking about something that is not fun to think about-what would that be?" Then listen for clues that will help you help her to see it's what she's thinking about Not what she is doing.

Big job mom- but so worth it.

She can learn the breathing and the six steps This week. Help her impliment these tools at every opportunity. I recently took my 7 year old grandson to see a small stage production - I knew when we went in that he might have some concerns because the trees on stage looked pretty spooky. Pretty soon he leaned over and said, "Grama, my tummy hurts" I showed him how to breathe the butterflies away...reassured him that I would never put him in real danger, that the stage was a place for make believe and that I was staying right with him. Then I talked to him about soothing himself by stroking his forearm in the direction that the hairs on his arm grew. (stroking against the hairs is irritating- try it ) I told him to stroke his arm and say, "I am safe. There is no danger." We made it through the wonderful Cirque presentation.

Later in the week his mom told me that she was taking him to his karate lesson and he knew there was going to be some physical contact in the class. (He does not like this part of karate.) He told his mom that his tummy hurt; she tried to reassure him. He told her he was going to do what grama told him to do. (stroked his arm) and announced it was "working."

I truly think you and your dear daughter can do this-if you need a professional, try to find someone who is a pediatric psychologist that believes in the mind body connection."

I hope this is helpful to others. Best regards, Carolyn

Wonderful advice, Carolyn. If we could help our children at a young age before anxiety had a chance to progress, we could change our world. Go for it, CHANGE THE WORLD!