What happens when your little girl starts having struggles that seem anything but small? 

Unfortunately, sometimes big problems come in small packages. Anxiety and depression are on the rise. Anxiety has been the primary health issue for children and teens for over a decade.*(1) Mental health struggles can appear in kids as young as four or five years old).*(2)

Whether your daughter is struggling with anxiety, depression, avoidance or just a whole lot of attitude it can be hard to handle. Here I hope you'll find solidarity, support, resources, and (in needed) referrals that can help you and your precious daughter.

There's a saying, "Sometimes you have to let your little ones go and hope you raised them right." I don't know who said that but they sure weren't a mom. When your daughter is struggling every fiber of your being screams at you to try harder, hold on tighter, press her to open up, and Google into the wee hours for answers. She is hurting, struggling, or faltering, and we just want to make it all go away for her.

Does any of this sound familiar? You're terrified you're losing her to her friends, the culture, or a bad relationship. She struggles with anxiety, depression or both and nothing you say or do seems to help. You've gone for profession help and it hasn't helped, or you're scared that reaching out will end in greater conflict or medication galore. 

What do you do?

While I don't have all the answers, I can offer you choices. Here I hope you will find options that give you a combination of education, understanding, at-home care options, one-on-one coaching or temperament counseling care, or assistance finding the resources you need if professional help is the best choice for the health and safety of your precious child.

Remember to give yourself a break, you are doing the best you can for your daughter. 

(1) *Allison Edwards, Why Smart Kids Worry: And What Parents Can Do to Help (Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, 2013), vi.

(2) *Bridget Flynn Walker, Anxiety Relief For Kids: On-the-Spot Strategies to Help Your Child Overcome Worry, Panic & Avoidance (Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2017), 8.