Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Tomorrow my sixteen year old daughter is going to be spending part of day with a guy "friend". Getting a coffee drink at Starbucks.
I am feeling anxious.
I remember what teen guys were like.
My breathing is a little fast, my heart beating in my head.
I am feeling anxious.
I remember what teen guys were like.
My breathing is a little fast, my heart beating in my head.
What can happen in the car...
I remember.....
The rule that I've set up is that if I don't hear from them when I text I'll know they need help. I don't text them constantly, but every couple of hours when they're out with friends.
It would not be at all unreasonable for you to drop her off and pick her up or even sit at a separate table at the coffee house. You're the parent and get to decide what is reasonable. I understand that we need to separate our anxieties from what our kids need but it is certainly okay to be worried and set up some rules that keep your kids safe and allow you to let go slowly.
She is so innocent and naive... Like I was.
The first few times you can go with her but sit nearby. Provide the ride to and from. As you both are more comfortable, you can still drive her to and from and then wait in the car. Then drive her there, run errands and pick her up.
Then meet her friends before they go somewhere and have her check in with you.
She may be naive right now but she will learn to trust her instincts and stand up for herself and you'll be right there to help until you both feel okay with her doing more on her own.
My kids are a bit older than yours and baby steps seem to be the best way to do this sort of thing.
And with anxiety we tend to worry about how we'll feel and what could happen in the future not taking into account that things change. You'll get more comfortable and she'll learn to take care of herself.
Another idea that may help is getting your child into a self-defense class or martial arts class. That can help with discipline and self-confidence as well as practical skills if anyone tries anything.