Episode 138

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Published on:

15th Nov 2025

How is perfectionism related to child anxiety?

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast!. In this episode, I address a listener's query about the relationship between perfectionism and child anxiety. Highlighting real-life examples and the challenges parents face in recognizing anxious perfectionism, I emphasize the importance of identifying avoidance behaviors and maintaining a balanced approach to children's achievements. I also discuss how perfectionism can manifest in different aspects of a child's life, from academics to eating habits, and provides guidance on how families can address these issues.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:25 Understanding Perfectionism and Child Anxiety

03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Perfectionism in Children

04:46 Real-Life Examples and Parental Challenges

06:41 Identifying Anxious Perfectionism

09:39 Perfectionism in Daily Life and Eating Habits

12:00 Conclusion and Further Support

Mentioned in this episode:

Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice

🌟 READY TO FIND YOUR ROOM TO BREATHE? Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice is a weekly, 30-minute audio-guided journaling sanctuary designed to help you connect with your own inner wisdom, calm, and connection.ry a free 30-minute sample session today and lock in your spot on our priority waitlist for the July 8th launch. Get your free sample session at OpenBookParenting.com!

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About the Podcast

TELL ME IT WILL BE OK
a parenting podcast with Dawn Friedman MSEd
Tell Me It Will Be OK is the conversation for parents of anxious kids who have read all the books, listened to all the experts, and still feel like something is missing.

Host Dawn Friedman, MSEd, has spent over thirty years in the trenches with families as an educator, family case manager, and clinical counselor. She knows that in a world of climate crisis, political upheaval, and digital noise, there is no such thing as a "quick-fix" script or a one-size-fits-all solution. Parenting bright, sensitive, and anxious children requires more than just a new technique—it requires a paradigm shift.

Each week, Dawn moves beyond the "how-to" to dig into the "why" and the "what now?" through:
--Deep-Dive Interviews: Conversations with researchers, activists, authors, and practitioners who look at the big picture of raising children today.

--Practical Wisdom: Evidence-based clinical insights (including SPACE and infant-toddler mental health) applied to the messy reality of daily life.

--The "No-Need-To-Be-Perfect" Philosophy: Shifting away from anxious perfectionism and toward the inner wisdom that helps us connect with our kids when things are hard.

To learn more about Dawn and the work that she does, you can check out her site, Open Book Parenting.

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Dawn Friedman