#i get that parenthood and modern life in general is extremely anxiety inducing

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

growing up with a perpetually anxious primary caregiver is such a mindfuck. that shit will rewire your nervous system

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

i get that parenthood and modern life in general is extremely anxiety inducing, and that anxiety is a common mental health issue, and anxiety disorders exist and do not disqualify you from being a loving parent. but i am begging you PLEASE do not project your anxiety onto your kids. (especially younger kids.) your job is to make your kids feel safe and secure. that is a primary requirement

and that doesn't mean you can't be anxious! but just like being angry doesn't mean you're allowed to yell at your kids or slam doors or break things, being anxious doesn't mean you are allowed to surround your kids with your own fear and stress or teach them to share your anxieties. your job is to be a comforting nurturing parental figure. that means projecting comfort and love--even when it is hard! even when you are tired or angry or scared! which is a damn hard job! and you won't get it right all the time! but dammit babes you gotta try.

kids deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their daily lives. you CANNOT be teaching them to expect catastrophe lurking around every corner

growing up with a perpetually anxious primary caregiver is such a mindfuck. that shit will rewire your nervous system