Comments on: Giving Your Child’s Anxiety a Name

By: Lorik

Lorik — Sat, 21 May 2016 14:15:07 +0000

Kelly,
I read in another post you had written in the internet that you homeschooled your child. Did you continue? My daughter is leaving kindergarten now and I am trying to avoid medication although it has been suggested as an option.

By: Monique Hughes

Monique Hughes — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 03:28:27 +0000

I have a little girl just like this in my kindergarten class. I didn’t realize she was suffering from SM until well into the year. I always wondered why she wouldn’t sing with the rest of the class or interact. I’m happy that there are resources out there and people willing to share what is probably an extremely misunderstood condition.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 02:35:03 +0000

While my little guy doesn’t have selective mutism, he does not like talking to strangers. At first, I pressured him and made excuses. “Oh, he’s shy.” I’d even attempt to force him to talk. His occupational therapist encouraged me to let him be himself. If he doesn’t want to talk, it’s okay. Pushing him only makes him more miserable and obstinate.

I struggle letting him be himself, though. I want him to respect others and be kind. Your post is relevant for me because it reminds me that our sometimes complicated kids need us to advocate and support them. Thanks for sharing your story! It gives me hope that my child may grow up to be comfortable with anyone.

By: dina12

dina12 — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:27:02 +0000

Thanks for the brave article, Kelly. It compels me to tell a little part of my story. As a child, I suffered with severe anxiety which grew into agoraphobia. Looking back, as an adult and a parent, there were some things my parents did right, but also some things I wish they knew to do in addition. One of the things they did well, was encourage me in swimming. I was competitive with myself and beating my old times. Despite my love of music and playing the piano, though, it was not helpful for them to push me into performance and make me feel bad for “wasting their money.”

Being afraid to open doors because I didn’t know what was on the other side really hindered my social life, my education, and my emotional growth. Having parents who knew how to take the time to talk to me would have helped immensely. I have learned to ask questions. To gently probe and identify exactly what is hindering my child in their anxious moments. Hearing my parents say “There is nothing on the other side of that door that you can’t handle” would have been affirming and encouraging.

Learning how to assist my child without becoming their crutch is a trick, but so worthwhile for their benefit and growth.