Parenting Anxious Kids Workshops

Parenting a child with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Parenting Kids with Anxiety and OCD training gives parents practical tools to recognize how anxiety shows up in their child’s body, thoughts, and behaviors, and—most importantly—how to respond in ways that build confidence instead of dependence.

You’ll learn how to reduce unhelpful accommodations, turn reassurance into true support, and create a clear, realistic plan to help your child face challenges. With hands-on strategies, role-plays, and supportive guidance, this training empowers you to make small, effective changes at home that bring big results for your child’s growth and resilience.

This workshop is based on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) model developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale University, and draws on the practical parent-focused strategies shared in Natasha Daniels’ work on childhood anxiety and OCD.

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Parent Drop-In Sessions

Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in child, adolescent, and young adult mental health challenges. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges. Clinical Psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each session. Parent Drop-Ins are held on the last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm. You can register below to receive the Zoom link, and submit questions ahead of time.

Upcoming Parent Drop-Ins:

  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom

  • Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom

Please contact us to schedule a Parent Drop-In session for your school or parent group. We host in-person sessions in San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties.

Information For Parents

Parenting a child or teen with mental illness or emotional challenges can be a terrifying and isolating experience. It's important to remember that you're not alone. There are resources and support available to help you navigate the difficult times. Here are some strategies that can help you and your family:

Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about your child's specific mental health condition. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and potential treatments can empower you to provide better support. The Parent Center offers Parenting Trainings and Groups tailored for parents, caregivers, and family members. Attend a Parent Drop-In session and spend an hour with an expert who can answer your questions.

Build a Support Network: Connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences. Join one of our in-person or online parent support groups or find a support group in your area. Be careful of groups that are not moderated by a trained therapist.

Advocate for Your Child: Work closely with your child's school, pediatrician, and others to ensure your child receives the necessary accommodations and support. This might include an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school. Make an appointment to work with a specialist who can help you organize and plan.

Be Patient: Recovery and progress take time. Celebrate even small victories and be patient with setbacks. Progress might not always be linear, but persistence can make a significant difference.