Reparenting Yourself: A Powerful Tool for Easing Anxiety

Let's face it: being an adult can be tough. Between work, school, relationships, and all the other stresses of life, it's no wonder, so many of us struggle with anxiety. But did you know that your childhood experiences may still fuel your anxiety today?

Think about it: if you had a tough childhood, maybe you didn't always get the love and support you needed. Maybe you didn't receive adequate emotional or physical support from your parents. Maybe you spent the entirety of your childhood picking up on their messages that now make it hard for you to prioritize or praise yourself. Whatever it was, these experiences can leave a mark on your mental health and make it harder for you to cope with stress as an adult.

This is where reparenting comes in. Reparenting is a term used in psychology to describe healing and growing from past emotional wounds by learning to care for yourself in a way you may not have experienced as a child.

By being kinder to yourself, talking to yourself more positively, and setting more realistic expectations, you can ease your anxiety and feel more in control of your life.

How "Reparenting" Helps Ease Anxiety

When we talk about reparenting, we're talking about the idea that some of us didn't receive the emotional support, love, and care we needed as children. As a result, we may struggle as adults with issues like low self-esteem, depression, and, you guessed it, anxiety.

Because of this, there are many reasons why someone might benefit from reparenting to ease anxiety.

For example, maybe you struggle with negative self-talk that makes you feel even more anxious. Reparenting can help you learn to be more self-compassionate and to treat yourself the way you'd treat a good friend.

Or maybe you're a perfectionist who always puts too much pressure on yourself. Reparenting can help you learn to let go of that pressure and permit yourself to make mistakes.

So, what does reparenting look like in practice? It could involve learning to be more self-compassionate, setting healthy boundaries, identifying and expressing our emotions, and developing a sense of self-worth. It might also involve seeking therapy or other support to help us work through our emotional baggage and build more positive behavior patterns.

Ultimately, reparenting can be helpful for anyone who wants to heal from emotional wounds and develop a healthier, more nurturing relationship with themselves. It's not a quick fix, but with time and effort, it can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and building resilience.

How Can I Reparent Myself to Ease my Anxiety? 

Reparenting is a process that requires time and effort. But don't get discouraged! You can overcome anxiety by establishing healthy habits you missed out on during childhood. 

Here are some tips to get you started on your reparenting journey: 

Be kind to yourself 

Self-compassion is crucial when reparenting. Remember that you didn't choose your parents, and it's not your fault if they didn't provide the support you needed. Treat yourself with love and respect as you work to heal.

Create structure

Learn to set boundaries, manage your time, and hold yourself accountable. Structure and routine are important for emotional development, and it's common to miss out on these things in childhood. It's okay to say no and prioritize your own needs.

Let go of the blame

While holding your parents accountable is important, try to see things from their perspective. They may have had their struggles and limitations. Decide if maintaining a relationship with them is healthy for you, and work on releasing any anger or resentment you may be holding onto.

Be consistent

Changing ingrained patterns takes time and effort. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up; keep trying. With practice, you can make positive changes and form new habits.

Practice self-care

Reparenting can be exhausting, so it's important to prioritize self-care. Take care of your physical and emotional needs by setting boundaries, avoiding toxic relationships, taking time for yourself, and seeking therapy if needed.

You deserve to feel happy, healthy, and anxiety-free, and by reparenting yourself, you can start to create a life that feels more supportive and fulfilling, one step at a time. Remember, reparenting is a process. Developing new thinking and behavior patterns takes time and effort, so be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work toward healing and growth.

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.