Not everything needs to be fixed

When our child is anxious, our instinct is to help. To soothe. To want to fix.We search for the right words, the perfect reassurance, the quick solution that might just make it all go away.And when nothing works, our own anxiety kicks in. We panic too.But maybe… they don’t need a fix. Maybe they just need us.We can’t reason away their fear but we can sit beside it. We can breathe through it with them. We can show them, simply and steadily: You’re not alone in this.Some fears don’t need solving. They just need space to be heard, held, witnessed.So if you’re lost for words, or unsure what to do, try this:“I’m here. I see how hard this is. And I’m staying right beside you.”That kind of love won’t make the fear disappear.But it will do something even stronger: It will remind your child that they can face hard things, with someone by their side.With you.Thanks for pausing with me. Take care till next time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kimmccabe.substack.com/subscribe