Helping Kids Get Unstuck: Executive Functioning, Anxiety, and Academic Pressure

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, host Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale welcomes special guest, Sara Seitz, founder of The Enrichery. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between anxiety, academic pressure, and executive functioning skills. The conversation delves into practical strategies for helping children manage their academic responsibilities while navigating the challenges of anxiety, as well as the evolving landscape of education today.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Introduction to Executive Functioning: Sara explains the concept of executive functioning skills, emphasizing their importance for academic success and personal organization.
2. Challenges for Students: The discussion highlights common struggles students face, including misdiagnosed laziness, procrastination, and task initiation.
3. Parenting Strategies: Sara offers insights on how parents can effectively support their children, including allowing them to fail safely and implementing structure in their daily routines.
4. The Impact of Technology: The role of technology in education and its effect on children's executive functioning skills is examined.
5. College Preparation: Sara discusses the complexities of modern college applications and emphasizes the personal growth potential during this process.

Key Insights

1. Executive functioning is not just about organizational skills; it encompasses emotional control and task initiation.
2. Allowing children to experience manageable failures helps them build resilience and learn to overcome challenges.
3. The increased workload in schools today often leads to heightened anxiety among students, necessitating effective coping mechanisms and time management strategies.
4. Transitioning from paper planners to digital applications should follow a thorough understanding of personal organization principles.

Notable Quotes

1. “Weak executive functioning skills are not a character flaw. They just haven’t built up those skills yet.” - Sara Seitz
2. “Kids want to get started. They want to have the project complete, but they just don't know where to start.” - Sara Seitz
3. "Anxiety is something that you live, you contribute to, but you have the power to change." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Timestamps

1. 00:00 - Episode introduction
2. 01:50 - Introduction of guest Sara Seitz
3. 03:00 - Discussion on the challenges faced by parents regarding academics
4. 10:00 - Insights on executive functioning and its importance
5. 15:00 - Practical executive functioning strategies for toddlers
6. 22:00 - Impact of technology on student learning
7. 30:00 - College preparation insights and application essay discussions
8. 39:00 - Tips for parents to support their children effectively

Relevant Resources

1. The Enrichery Website
2. Anxiety Society Podcast
3. Follow @theanxietysocietypod on Instagram for more insights and community engagement.

Call to Action

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