On-Demand Webinar: Calming the Anxious Child

In this webinar from the Institute for Natural Medicine, hosted by Amy Rothenberg ND, she looks at anxiety in the context of the whole child and within the family dynamic. Naturopathic doctors have decades of experience working with parents and children to emphasize lifestyle efforts and gentle natural medicines for anxiety.

Dr. Rothenberg says childhood anxiety is on the rise and unfortunately, not all children get the care they need. Statistics show that only about 60% of children between 3-17 years who complain of anxiety received treatment. Licensed naturopathic doctors work with the whole child– so it is a routine part of any office visit to inquire about mental health, tendencies for irritability, depression or anxiety, regardless of the chief complaint that brings the family or individual family member into the office.

Before you watch this webinar, it is important to consider, how anxious is your child? Naturopathic medicine can be used with any anxious child. That said, if the situation is severe and there is a risk for self-harm or evidence of self-harm, a team approach with a child psychologist and/or psychiatrist may also be indicated. Here are warning signs that you need to seek further professional care right away:

• When worries or fears interfere with normal day-to-day activities.

• When ongoing distress is heightened regardless of reassurances.

• When there is difficulty sleeping at night/ insistence on sleeping with parents (For families who choose co-sleeping, this may not be relevant).

• Continuing physical symptoms, like headaches or stomach aches, unrelated to other ailments.

If you suspect that the situation is far worse than anxiety, please get help right away from your family doctor or pediatric psychiatrist/psychologist. Ask for support from a licensed naturopathic physician to develop an integrative health plan that includes natural lifestyle medicine along with other recommendations.

Here is what you will learn on this webinar on calming the anxious child:

1. Ways to examine your family’s level of anxiety and how that may manifest itself in your child.
2. How do create a calm and stress-free home environment and set realistic expectations for things like screen time, helping around the house, schoolwork and family time.
3. Finding ways to communicate and use language that articulates feelings in a healthy and judgment-free manner.
4. Ideas to increase outdoor time and physical activity, as well as time in nature.
5. Unleash your child’s creative energy with art and writing, cooking and baking, music and digital media, and computing and programming.  
6. Empower kids by giving them the gift of self-agency.
7. Develop gratitude practices and ways to engage in the community.
8. Why mental mindfulness is important to the entire family. “I am” messaging promotes strength, peace, and well-being.
9. Healthy eating as a way to support positive moods.
10. When, how, and why homeopathic and botanical therapy may be called for.

This webinar is sponsored by the Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, partnered with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. INM’s mission is to transform healthcare in America by increasing both public awareness of naturopathic medicine and access to naturopathic doctors for patients. INM believes that naturopathic medicine, with its unique principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness that overwhelms existing health care systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain their optimal lifelong health. INM strives to achieve this mission through the following initiatives:

• Education: Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of naturopathic medicine

• Access: Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors

• Research: Expand quality research of this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

To view the free webinar, simply fill out the form below. 

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Amy Rothenberg ND, DHANP is a contributor to INM and practicing licensed naturopathic doctor in Northampton, Massachusetts. Dr. Rothenberg is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians 2017 Physician of the Year. Dr. Rothenberg’s writing can be found on NaturalMed.org, Better Nutrition’s Naturopathic Health Hub, Medium, Thrive Global, and The Huff Post. She is the proud mother of 3 adult children.

References:  

Ghandour RM, Sherman LJ, Vladutiu CJ, et al. Prevalence and Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Conduct Problems in US Children. J Pediatr. 2019;206:256-267.e3. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.09.021

Tobin Tyler E et al. Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care: Considerations and Opportunities for Policymakers, Planners, and Providers, Millbank Memorial Fund, access here.