In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla talks with Sophia Vale Galano, licensed clinical social worker and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry.

Sophia shares insight from her decade of experience working with teens and families, including why anxiety has become so common, how to tell the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and how parents can support their teens with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why anxiety feels more intense for teens today, and how social media, academics, and modern pressures play a role
• How to talk with teens about anxiety without jumping straight to fixing or advice
• Practical ways to support your teen’s mental health, from modeling curiosity to having collaborative conversations
• A new approach to technology use that encourages mindful scrolling rather than restriction
• Simple conversation starters for connecting with your teen about emotions, anxiety, and stress

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Sophia Vale Galano’s website: www.sophiagalano.com
• Buy her book: Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry
• Follow Sophia on Instagram: @sophiavale_galano
• Visit the podcast website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com
• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
  
  

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share it with a friend or educator who supports teens