How to talk to your teen about anxiety without pushing them away | Sophia Vale Galano

Send us Fan MailMaybe your teenager has opened up about feeling anxious, but the conversation seems to end in frustration every time you try to help. Or, maybe they don't talk about it at all, which keeps you up at night worrying about their wellbeing.Sophia Vale Galano has spent more than a decade helping teenagers and their families navigate anxiety in school, hospital, and private settings. Through her work, she's learned that helping an anxious teenager isn't about caring more, but about approaching the conversation differently. In this episode, Sophia shares the real insights her experience has revealed.In the first half of our conversation with Sophia, she and Benoit Harpey explore why teens often struggle to communicate their anxiety, how parents can recognize hidden signs, and what it takes to build the kind of trust that encourages honest conversations. Instead of immediately trying to fix the problem, Sophia explains how curiosity, validation, and patience can help parents become a safe place for their teenagers.In This Episode:Why many caring parents accidentally push anxious teens awayHow anxiety often shows up as irritability, avoidance, or isolationWhy listening is often more helpful than immediately trying to “fix” your teenPractical ways to build trust so your teen feels safe opening upHow to know when your teen needs more support, and when they need space to growWhy organic, everyday conversations are often more effective than formal “talks”The difference between helping your teen and rescuing themWhether your teen struggles with anxiety or you're simply trying to strengthen your relationship, this conversation provides practical guidance to help you become someone your teen feels safe turning to.Connect with Sophia Vale Galano:🌐 www.sophiagalano.com 📚 Book: Calming Teenage Anxiety📷 Instagram: @sophiavale_galanoResources & Support:📩 [email protected]📷 @speakupforkidspbc🌐 Website: speakupforkidspbc.org/healing-hearts📅 Local to Palm Beach? See our events: speakupforkidspbc.org/events Want to be featured?🎙️ [email protected]