Anxiety spirals before kid's school events - how do you handle it?

Jan 19·1 min read

My 6yo daughter has her first school play next month and I'm already getting that chest-tightness thing where I'm catastrophizing about everything. What if I cry? What if she forgets her lines and looks at me in the audience? What if I have a panic attack right there? I know this is ridiculous but my brain won't stop. Anyone else get like this with their kids' stuff? How do you manage it without letting your anxiety poison the experience for them?

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Comments(5)

TTyler M.New DadJan 20

Also remember your daughter is probably picking up on your anxiety if you're not careful. Not saying you're doing anything wrong but keeping your own stress in check helps her stay confident too.

MMatt W.RegularJan 20

A month out is rough because your brain has plenty of time to spiral. Try not to watch other kids' videos of their school plays on YouTube because that doesn't help anything.

JJeff K.New DadJan 21

I get the same thing. For me it helps to remember that the teachers run these events all the time and they're professionals at making sure kids feel comfortable. Your daughter will probably surprise you and have a blast.

EEricNew DadJan 20

The chest tightness is real. Box breathing has helped me a lot when I feel it coming on. Four counts in, hold four, out four, hold four. Sounds simple but it actually works.

DDanny K.RegularJan 22

This is totally normal. I found it helps to go watch a practice if the school allows it so you see how calm and organized it is. Kills a lot of the anxiety demons.