anxiety

It has been 9 years since I’ve been at an airport without my kids in tow. Nine years since I’ve flown alone. Nine years since I’ve been away from them for any significant length of time, aside from the odd sleepover. I know this is a shocking confession in our culture of “me time,” but it’s true. Until very recently, I have never wanted -- or “needed” -- to leave them. I spend enough time away from them at work. And they spend enough time away from me at school, their activities and with friends. But the real reason I haven’t left them is because of something that happened when my first-born, now 10, was just 18 months.  Read more >

When my daughter was in preschool, every morning was a tearful goodbye due to her separation anxiety.  Nowadays, she is well-adjusted seven-year-old with confident and sassy demeanor.  But once in a while, when faced with a new situation, she will still become extremely anxious.  Anxious to the point of being completely helpless in controlling her fears.  These are moments where I question my abilities to guide her through her troubles.  Moments that if I screw up, she might grow up to be paralyzed when faced with change.  Thankfully, we’ve successfully navigated through these situations so far.  Read more >