AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety

Jaksot

• Common OCD Themes Even Therapists Sometimes Miss 16.06.2026 55min

  Many OCD themes are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or completely overlooked because they don’t match the stereotypes most people associate with OCD. In this episode, I dive into the OCD themes that often fly under the radar, including Moral OCD, Harm OCD, POCD, SOCD, ROCD, disgust based OCD, symmetry OCD, and Just Right OCD.I talk about how these themes can present in children and teens, why they are often mistaken for anxiety, behavioral issues, personality traits, or even hidden desires, and how shame and mental compulsions can keep kids struggling silently for years.You’ll also learn why OCD is not always driven by fear. Some themes are fueled by disgust, discomfort, uncertainty, or an overwhelming feeling that something is “off” or incomplete. I break down how OCD can lead to reassurance seeking, confession, avoidance, mental reviewing, and hidden rituals that many parents and even therapists may miss.I also discuss what parents can do if they suspect OCD is being overlooked, including how to educate themselves on OCD themes, help their child understand what OCD is doing, trust their gut, and seek out proper OCD specific support and ERP therapy.If your child has ever struggled with intrusive thoughts, shame around certain thoughts or feelings, hidden compulsions, or behaviors that never fully made sense through a traditional anxiety lens, this episode will help you better understand what may really be happening beneath the surface.Resources Discussed in Episode:Join our FREE series: How to Be an Effective Anchor for Your Kids with OCDGet your PDF handout of today’s episode here.OCD Therapy through NOCDOCD Therapist DirectoryKids and Teen Course on OCDFREE Therapist Workshop on OCDCrushing OCD Workbook for KidsChloe and The Bossy Cloud OCD Picture BookBTTI OCD TrainingTexas OCD Institute***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How to Help Kids When the Fear of Throwing Up Takes Over 09.06.2026 46min

  When the fear of throwing up begins to take over a child’s daily life, it can quietly shrink their world. School, eating, travel, social events, exercise, sleepovers, restaurants, and even ordinary conversations can suddenly feel unsafe.In this week’s AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I’m talking all about emetophobia, the intense fear of vomiting, and how it can show up as both anxiety and OCD.We’ll explore the hidden compulsions that often fuel this disorder, including reassurance seeking, body checking, food restriction, avoidance, hyperfixation on nausea, and the constant need to prevent getting sick.I’ll also discuss:• Why emetophobia is not caused by trauma, even though a traumatic illness experience can trigger it• How avoidance quietly strengthens the fear over time• Why reassurance rarely helps long term• The difference between empowering your child versus protecting the disorder• How to identify the core fear driving the emetophobia• What exposures can look like for vomiting fears• How ERP therapy can help kids reclaim their livesIf your child’s fear of throwing up is beginning to control daily life, this episode will help you better understand what is happening beneath the surface and how to support recovery in a compassionate, therapeutic way.Resources from this episode:Get the PDF Handout for this episodeEmetophobia Videos:https://youtu.be/mvQlW3iSU5U?si=b-UBrQdNR7ze0gKxhttps://youtu.be/cclkHTOX0co?si=tuSIySbvUlVdzBuihttps://youtu.be/oShDAdBugJ0?si=MfdwLU2xx1xocR9chttps://youtu.be/KvhjJqSXDRw?si=aJiOJKyJn1LYUdGZBooks Mentioned:Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide by Natasha DanielsOvercoming Emetophobia Exposure Workbook by Natasha DanielsGuts by Raina TelgemeierFacing Mighty Fears About Throwing Up by Dawn Huebner***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Is Your Child’s “Defiance” Actually Caused by OCD? 02.06.2026 51min

  Defiance can be one of the most misunderstood signs of OCD in children and teens.When kids refuse to touch certain things, avoid everyday tasks, struggle with homework, take excessive time completing routines, or seem resistant to basic expectations, it can easily look like oppositional behavior. But underneath that behavior may be intrusive fears, avoidance compulsions, contamination concerns, or “just right” OCD driving their actions.In this episode, I explore how hidden OCD symptoms are often mistaken for defiance, difficult behavior, or laziness, leading parents, teachers, and even therapists to respond in ways that may unintentionally worsen the cycle. I break down common household, school, and daily life behaviors that may actually be rooted in OCD, and explain how parents can better identify the true source of the struggle.You’ll learn how to dig deeper beneath the behavior, ask more effective questions, and determine whether your child needs discipline, boundaries, or therapeutic support through exposure and response prevention (ERP).If you are a parent who has ever wondered whether your child’s “bad behavior” may actually be part of their OCD, this episode will help you better understand what may really be happening beneath the surface.To get this episode’s PDF handout go to www.natashadaniels.com/handoutsGet the course: How to Handle Difficult Behavior Caused by Anxiety or OCD***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Things Parents Often Miss in Kids with Contamination OCD 26.05.2026 47min

  Contamination OCD is often much more complex than many parents realize. It is not always about germs, handwashing, or obvious fears of illness. For many kids, contamination OCD can center around chemicals, certain people, objects, or even an intense feeling of disgust rather than fear.In this episode, Natasha breaks down the subtle ways contamination OCD can be missed, misunderstood, or accidentally reinforced. Parents often focus on visible avoidance without recognizing the true “ground zero” of contamination, the original trigger or core fear driving the OCD cycle. Understanding that core fear or disgust response is essential for effective support.Parents will also learn why appeasing OCD or rationalizing with it can unintentionally strengthen the cycle.If your child struggles with contamination fears, disgust triggers, or confusing avoidance behaviors, this episode will help you better understand what may really be happening and how to respond more effectively.Resources Talked About in Episode:OCD Treatment:NOCD virtual OCD TherapyIOCDF Provider Directory Videos on Contamination OCD: How to Handle Contamination OCD Trying to Beat Contamination OCD? OCD Doesn’t Play Fair Understanding Ground Zero in Contamination OCD Disgust Based Contamination OCD Offense vs Defense for OCDHandouts and Courses: OCD Themes PDFHow to find the Core Fear Workshop SPACE Study Guide***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• When Parents Become the “OCD Police” (And What to Do Instead) 19.05.2026 48min

  Watching our kids struggle with OCD can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and emotionally draining. When we understand OCD and begin recognizing compulsions more clearly, many of us naturally shift from accommodating behaviors… to hyper-focusing on every compulsion, reassurance loop, and avoidance pattern.This is what I call becoming the “OCD police.”In this episode, I explore how parents can unintentionally move from helping to over-monitoring, constantly pointing out compulsions, questioning behaviors, and trying to control OCD at every turn. While this often comes from a place of deep love and fear, hypervigilance can damage trust, increase shame, and create communication breakdowns.I discuss why becoming the OCD police can backfire, how it may cause kids to hide symptoms or shut down, and why managing OCD isn’t about catching every compulsion.Most importantly, I break down what to do instead.You’ll learn how to shift from policing to coaching, how to prioritize the compulsions that involve you, when to push, when to pause, and how to build skills without sacrificing connection.If you are a parent who feels stuck between accommodating and over-correcting, this episode will help you find the middle ground that truly supports healing.Resources Discussed on Episode:When to Push and When to Pause www.childocdtherapist.com/power-of-the-pause/SPACE Study Course www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com/space/AT Parenting Community www.atparentingcommunity.comPulling Back OCD Accommodations www.childocdtherapist.com/pulling-back-ocd-accommodations/Trust and Communication www.childocdtherapist.com/trust-and-communication/How to Help Kids with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors www.childocdtherapist.com/how-to-address-picking-and-pulling-behaviors/***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Helping Kids with Just Right OCD 12.05.2026 38min

  “Just right” OCD can be one of the most confusing forms of OCD for parents, because it doesn’t look like fear.In this episode, we’re unpacking what it means when OCD is driven by a feeling instead of a specific fear. That internal sense that something is off, incomplete, or not quite right can keep kids stuck in loops that are hard to explain and even harder to stop.You’ll learn how “just right” OCD can show up across daily life, from words and writing to clothes, shoes, grooming, and even how they move through their environment. We’ll also clarify common misconceptions, including why this isn’t perfectionism, how it differs from sensory processing challenges, and where Tourettic OCD fits into the picture.Most importantly, we’ll walk through how to start helping your child break free from these patterns using evidence-based approaches like ERP, including practicing things “not just right,” delaying compulsions, and resisting the urge to complete the loop for them. We’ll also touch on how parents can use a SPACE-informed approach to reduce accommodation and support their child more effectively.If your child gets stuck needing things to feel right before they can move on, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to begin supporting them in a way that builds long-term resilience.Resources for this Episode:Get the PDF Handout for this episode: www.natashadaniels.com/handoutsYoutube video: How to Handle Just Right OCD Youtube video: Just Right OCD and Clothes Youtube video: Just Right OCD and Your Words Youtube video: When OCD Isn’t About a Fear, But a FeelingPodcast on Tourettic OCD ***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why Trying to “Reason” With Your Child’s OCD Backfires 05.05.2026 40min

  It feels so natural to explain, reassure, and try to calm your child down when OCD is loud. After all, that’s how we solve problems in real life. But OCD doesn’t play by those rules.When we try to reason with OCD, we often get pulled deeper into its loop, answering more questions, giving more explanations, and still watching our child struggle.In this episode, I talk about why reasoning and reassurance can quietly fuel OCD, what’s actually happening in your child’s brain in those moments, and how to start shifting your role from “problem solver” to “anchor.”If you are a parent who finds yourself repeating the same answers over and over, or watching your child feel better for a moment only to spiral again, this episode will help you understand why and what to do instead.Links mentioned in episode:PDF handoutSPACE Study CourseVideo on Reassurance as an OCD CompulsionVideo on Confessing as an OCD Compulsion***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The 3 Stages Parents Go Through When Learning to Handle OCD (and Where You Might Be Stuck) 28.04.2026 47min

  Most parents think the hardest part of raising a child with anxiety or OCD is figuring out what to do.But the truth is, learning the skills is just the beginning.In this episode, I walk you through the three stages parents naturally move through when learning to handle OCD, from that first moment of awareness, to the messy middle of trying to implement strategies, to the point where things start to feel more integrated and sustainable.Because knowing what to do and being able to actually do it consistently are two very different things.If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your responses, feeling stuck in patterns you know aren’t helping, or wondering why this feels so much harder than it “should,” you are not alone.This episode will help you understand where you are in the process and why that middle stage can feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right.”And more importantly, it will help you see what kind of support actually makes a difference as you move forward.If you are a parent who knows what to do but struggles to follow through consistently, or you feel stuck in that in-between stage where nothing quite clicks yet, this episode is for you.❤️ For more in-depth support join the AT Parenting Community where we walk this journey with you.Resources: IOCDF Treatment GuidelinePodcast episode: The Power of the Pause***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why Adjusting Expectations Matters When Parenting a Child with Anxiety or OCD 21.04.2026 46min

  When you’re parenting a child with anxiety or OCD, it’s easy to get caught in a constant push to fix, improve, and move things forward. But when our expectations don’t match where our child actually is, it can quietly create more frustration, more pressure, and more disconnection for everyone involved.In this episode, we explore how to recognize when expectations are starting to do more harm than good, why they develop in the first place, and how to gently adjust them without losing hope or momentum. You’ll learn how to shift from pushing for outcomes to supporting capacity, so your child can build skills in a way that actually sticks, and you can find more peace in the process.If you are a parent who feels stuck between wanting more for your child and feeling discouraged by where things are, this episode will help you reset your expectations in a way that supports both growth and connection.❤️Join my free series at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.comGet the handout for this episode at www.natashadaniels.com/handouts ***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• What Good Communication Actually Looks Like with Anxiety and OCD 14.04.2026 54min

  Good communication can feel like the missing piece when you’re raising a child with anxiety or OCD. You’re talking, explaining, reassuring, and trying to help, but somehow the conversations still feel stuck, tense, or like they’re going nowhere.In this episode, I unpack what good communication actually looks like, and why it’s not about saying the perfect thing or fixing the problem in the moment. We’ll talk about how communication builds trust, how to recognize what might be shutting it down, and why slowing down and focusing on connection can often move things forward more than pushing for change.If you are a parent who feels like every conversation turns into a struggle, or your child shuts down, gets defensive, or won’t open up, this episode will help you rethink where to start and how to create the kind of communication that actually supports progress.📍 Join my FREE series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Power of the Pause in Your Child’s Anxiety and OCD 07.04.2026 45min

  When our child is anxious or stuck in OCD, everything can feel urgent. The questions, the reassurance seeking, the distress, the pressure to fix it right away. As parents, our instinct is often to respond quickly so we can calm things down. But sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause.In this episode, I talk about the power of the pause and why slowing down our response can actually help our kids build resilience and break the anxiety and OCD cycle. A pause gives us space to respond intentionally instead of reacting out of stress, fear, or urgency. It also models for our kids that discomfort doesn’t have to be solved immediately.If you are a parent who feels pulled to jump in quickly when your child is anxious, asks for reassurance, or gets stuck in OCD loops, this episode will help you see how a small pause can create big shifts in how you support your child.🧡 Register for my free series Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCDLinks mentioned in podcast:OCD Reassurance videoPodcast: How to Use Reassurance CardsPodcast: How to Create an Effective Incentive PlanPodcast: How to Help Kids with Perfectionism***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• An Important Difference Between Anxiety vs OCD Reassurance 31.03.2026 40min

  Parents often hear the same questions from their child again and again, and it can be hard to know if answering is helping or making things worse. In this episode, I break down the important difference between anxiety reassurance and OCD reassurance.While they can look similar on the surface, they serve very different purposes. Anxiety reassurance often comes from a child not trusting their ability to cope, while OCD reassurance acts as a compulsion that keeps the OCD cycle going. Knowing the difference can change how you respond.If you are a parent who feels stuck answering the same worries, fears, or “what if” questions, this episode will help you understand when reassurance supports your child and when it unintentionally grows anxiety and OCD.Links discussed during episode:Get the PDF handout for this episode hereFree series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCDThe SPACE Study Guide CourseVideo: How Reassurance is a CompulsionPodcast: How to Use Reassurance CardsPodcast: How to Create an Effective Incentive Plan***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• ARFID: Is It OCD, Anxiety, or an Eating Disorder? 24.03.2026 59min

  ARFID can look like OCD, anxiety, extreme picky eating, or even a traditional eating disorder, which is why so many parents feel confused about what they are actually dealing with. In this episode, I break down the five types of ARFID, avoidant, aversive, restrictive, mixed, and ARFID plus, and explain how each one presents differently.We also talk about how ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety, when exposure and response prevention is the right fit, and when a feeding therapist or occupational therapist may be the better route. Understanding what is driving your child’s food restriction is the key to getting the right help.If you are a parent trying to figure out whether your child’s eating struggles are fear based, sensory based, or something else entirely, this episode will give you clarity and direction.Resources mentioned in episode:PANDAS NetworkAspireAnxiety Specialists of Atlanta - Dr. Megan FayePsypact mapEquip ARFID ProgramThe Emily ProgramKate Farm’s Protein ShakesBoost Very high Calorie Drink Free upcoming series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD******This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• OCD Compulsions Parents Don’t See 17.03.2026 38min

  Most parents think they know what their child’s OCD looks like. They see the washing. The checking. The obvious behaviors.But what they’re usually seeing is just the tip of the iceberg.OCD isn’t only handwashing or checking. It’s mental reviewing, silent debating, internal checking, trying to “neutralize” a thought, confessing, reassurance seeking, avoidance, symmetry rituals, and that constant need for things to feel just right. Many of the most powerful compulsions happen completely inside your child’s mind, which means you will never see all of them.In this episode, we’re talking about how OCD really works, why you can’t be the OCD police, and how to shift from trying to catch compulsions to teaching your child the skills to delay and resist them. Because empowerment, not surveillance, is what actually builds long term resilience.If you want detailed guidance on how to teach your child to handle OCD at home, you can learn more at www.natashadaniels.com/parentcourse.If you are a parent who feels like you’re missing something but can’t quite see what OCD is doing behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Get this week’s PDF handout at www.natashadaniels.com/handout***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Harm OCD in Children: The Fear of Harming Yourself or Others 10.03.2026 42min

  Harm OCD is one of the most frightening and misunderstood themes of OCD, especially when it shows up in children. Intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or someone else can feel shocking, confusing, and deeply distressing for both kids and parents. These thoughts often clash with a child’s true values, which is exactly why they feel so intense.In this episode, we gently unpack what harm OCD really is and what it is not. We talk about the difference between intrusive thoughts and intent, and why fear can so easily be mistaken for danger. When parents understand the OCD cycle and how it attaches to what matters most, they are better equipped to respond with clarity instead of panic.If you are a parent who has ever felt your heart drop after hearing your child share a scary thought, or if your child has ever been terrified of their own mind, this episode is for you.Resources Discussed in Episode:-Handout of this episode-Videos on Harm OCD:https://youtu.be/qQgTkIfUFDM?si=0c9wIFghIctn4BCThttps://youtu.be/XR0anBw_NIY?si=ggHSaxbhkdlkvOjFhttps://youtu.be/hPOJW3iXRwU?si=lFAcTY7qMX7DMiXh-SPACE Study Course***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How to Tell When Your Child’s OCD Is Involving You 03.03.2026 31min

  OCD rarely stays contained inside your child’s mind. It often pulls parents directly into the cycle through reassurance questions, confessing, repeated checking, cleaning rituals, avoidance rules, or even scripting exactly what you are allowed to say. If you feel like you are constantly answering the same questions, following invisible rules, or walking on eggshells, OCD may be involving you more than you realize.In this episode, we break down how to identify family accommodation, how to decide what to stop doing first, and how to respond in a way that supports your child while shrinking OCD. You will learn simple, practical steps to move from being part of OCD’s system to becoming part of your child’s recovery.Resources Discussed in Episode:Download the PDF for this episodeSpace Study Guide CourseJoin the AT Parenting Community for live classes, parent support, and ongoing guidanceRelated YouTube videos:Reassurance and Why It Grows OCDWhen OCD Makes Kids ConfessHow OCD Involves Family Members***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety, OCD, and “Just Kid Worries” 24.02.2026 48min

  How do you know if your child is just worried, anxious, or dealing with OCD?Kids worry. That’s normal. But sometimes fear sticks around longer than it should and starts to take over daily life. In this episode, I break down the differences between typical kid worries, anxiety, and OCD so you can better understand what your child is really struggling with.We talk about:-What developmentally typical fears and worries include-How anxiety shows up over time-How OCD includes intrusive thoughts and the urge to do something for relief-Why treatment looks different for anxiety versus OCDIf you have ever wondered whether something is developmentally normal or a sign your child needs extra support, this episode will help you make sense of it.You are not overreacting for paying attention. Understanding the difference is the first step to helping your child get unstuck.⚠️ Grab any courses you have wanted before our pricing goes up on March 1, 2026 at AT Parenting Survival School***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• When Progress Makes OCD Panic: Why Symptoms Spike Right Before They Get Better 17.02.2026 40min

  In this episode, we talk about one of the most confusing and discouraging moments for parents raising a child with OCD, when things seem to get worse right as you start doing the right things.Many parents interpret a sudden spike in distress, anger, or compulsions as a sign that therapy is not working. But often, this increase in symptoms is actually a sign that OCD feels threatened. When OCD accommodations are reduced or exposures begin, OCD does not quietly step aside, it escalates. This episode explains why that happens and what it means for your child’s recovery.You will learn what an extinction burst looks like in real life, how to tell the difference between a true setback and a growth spike, and why your child may appear more dysregulated even though they are building resilience. We also talk about the most common mistakes parents make during this phase, like backing off boundaries too quickly or returning to reassurance out of fear, and how those well-intended responses can accidentally strengthen OCD.Most importantly, this episode focuses on how to stay grounded as a parent when your child is struggling more. We cover what supportive responses sound like, how to emotionally hold your child without feeding OCD, and how to keep your long-term goals in mind when short-term distress shows up.If you have ever thought, “We were doing better, why is this suddenly worse?” this episode will help you understand what is really happening and how to stay the course with confidence and compassion.Video: OCD is Like an Octopus⚠️ Grab any courses you have wanted before our pricing goes up on March 1, 2026 at AT Parenting Survival School***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why Rationalizing With Your Child’s OCD Makes It Worse 10.02.2026 44min

  In this episode, I break down why logical explanations, reassurance, and “talking it through” so often backfire when your child has OCD. While rationalizing may feel supportive and calming in the moment, it actually feeds the OCD cycle and strengthens your child’s need for certainty.I explain what OCD really is, how it operates in the brain, and why it isn’t a problem of logic or understanding. You’ll learn why reasoning with OCD increases doubt instead of resolving it, and how these well-intentioned responses can unintentionally keep your child stuck.Most importantly, I share a different way to respond, one that supports your child without engaging the OCD, reduces family exhaustion, and helps you feel more confident in the moment.This episode is for parents who feel like they are constantly explaining, reassuring, or debating—and are ready for a more effective approach.Video on What is OCDOCD Card Deck***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Interview with Mia Mason, Author of Worry’s Whispers a Graphic Novel About OCD and Anxiety 03.02.2026 35min

  In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Mia Mason, the creative force behind Worry’s Whispers, a beautifully illustrated collection of poems that gives voice to anxiety, fear, and the quiet corners of the inner world that so many of us know all too well.Mia and I explore the origins of her work, what inspired her to turn internal dialogue into poetic expression, and how Worry’s Whispers serves as both a mirror and a companion for people navigating anxiety — whether persistent, sudden, quiet, or loud.In this episode we break down:Why poetry can be a powerful tool for emotional expression — especially for those who struggle to articulate internal experiences.How Worry’s Whispers uniquely captures the nuanced textures of worry without judgment, offering readers comfort through recognition rather than prescription.The creative process behind the book — from inspiration to illustration — and how Mia uses language and imagery to normalize the experience of anxiety.Mia’s perspective on the importance of finding the right therapist who is qualified to address anxiety and OCD.Throughout the conversation, Mia’s warmth, vulnerability, and insight shine through, providing real encouragement for anyone whose inner world sometimes feels overwhelming. Tune in to hear Mia’s story, wisdom, and words of encouragement.Get your copy of her beautiful book here. Check her out on Instagram and TikTok too!Links discussed in episode:Psychpact MapAnxiety Specialists of Atlanta***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.