AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety

What happens when the professionals you trust to help your child’s OCD, actually make things worse?Too many parents of kids with OCD are told to “reassure them,” “avoid the triggers,” or “help them relax.” Even well-meaning therapists often miss the mark — treating OCD like general anxiety or skipping ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) altogether.In this episode, I’m breaking down why OCD is so often misunderstood in therapy, how to tell if your child’s therapist truly understands OCD, and the red flags that signal it’s time to look elsewhere. You’ll learn what evidence-based treatment should look like — and how to advocate for the help your child really needs.Want a PDF handout with sample questions to ask a therapist and red flags to look out for? Go to Natashadaniels.com/handouts and click on episode 447.Link mentioned in podcast:Psypact list ***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

When OCD symptoms fade, it’s natural to feel relief — maybe even believe it’s finally gone. But sometimes, that relief can make us miss the signs of OCD returning in new and surprising ways.In this episode, I’ll talk about why parents often overlook new OCD themes and what we can do differently. We’ll explore how tunnel vision, limited communication, and lack of education about OCD’s many disguises can cause us to miss the early signs of a relapse. You’ll learn how to celebrate progress without letting your guard down — shifting from a “cured” mindset to one of ongoing recovery. We’ll also cover how to stay educated, keep open communication with your child, and recognize when new behaviors may actually be OCD in disguise. Because when we know what to look for, we can catch OCD before it takes the wheel again.Resources mentioned in podcast:Uma Chatterjee websiteAT Parenting CommunityVideo: OCD is Like an OctopusMy YouTube channel***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

As parents, we want to rescue our kids from anxiety and OCD—but the truth is, some things are not within our control. And when we spend our energy trying to fix what isn’t ours to fix, we burn out, lose connection with our child, and unintentionally strengthen OCD. In this episode, I break down the critical difference between what is your role and what isn’t, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start creating meaningful progress for your child.You’ll Learn What You Can’t Do (No Matter How Hard You Try):You can’t force your child to stop compulsions that don’t involve youYou can’t create motivation or force insightYou can’t speed up their progress or prevent new OCD themes from emergingYou can’t make them share every intrusive thoughtTrying to control these things only leads to power struggles and frustration—for you and your child.Then We Shift to What You Can Do (and Where True Power Lies):Educate yourself and recognize new OCD patterns earlyUnderstand co-occurring struggles that impact progressIdentify how you may be unintentionally feeding OCDLearn how to systematically pull back from accommodationsSet healthy boundaries so OCD doesn’t run your homeIncentivize your child to do the work instead of doing it for themDetermine where your child is in their journey—trust, skills, or treatment—and start thereYou do have influence. You do have a role. And when you lean into the things you can control, that’s when your child’s growth begins.👉 Want hands-on guidance through this process? Join the AT Parenting Community, where I support parents step-by-step in building a therapeutic home environment and empowering their kids to take their life back from OCD. Doors close on Thursday, Nov 20th, 2025.***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

Are you trying everything to help your child’s OCD… yet nothing seems to stick?You’re not alone—and it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 7 most common mistakes parents make when trying to help OCD, and more importantly, what to do instead. These mistakes are incredibly common, even among well-meaning therapists, and understanding them is the first step to real progress.We’ll talk about:Why logic and reassurance often make OCD strongerHow accommodations quietly feed OCD’s powerWhy ERP isn’t just “facing fears”And the role parents must play in their child’s OCD journeyIf your child has OCD, this episode will help you stop spinning your wheels and start using tools that actually work.🧡 Want step-by-step guidance on how to help your child at home?Register for my FREE video series Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with anxiety or OCD at atparentingsurvivalseries.com.🧡 For this episode’s handout go to www.natashadaniels.com/handoutsTake my SPACE Study course at www.natashadaniels.com/space and learn about the AT Parenting Community at www.atparentingcommunity.com ***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

When your child struggles with OCD, it’s natural to want to ease their distress, but those well-meaning “helping” moments can actually feed OCD’s control. In this episode, Natasha breaks down how to pull back accommodations safely and effectively, without creating unnecessary conflict or fear.You’ll learn:What OCD accommodations really are and how they sneak into daily routinesWhy reducing them helps your child gain long-term confidenceHow to involve your child in the processWhat to do (and not do) when emotions run highHow to stay consistent and supportive as your child builds resiliencePulling back OCD accommodations isn’t about being tough — it’s about helping your child take their power back from OCD, one small step at a time.Get in-depth OCD support in my FREE parenting series starting this week. You can register at www.ATparentingsurvivalseries.comLinks mentioned in the show:Get a PDF handout of today’s episodeSPACE Treatment Study Guide CourseEli Lebowitz’s book Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD & Alec Pollard’s book When a Love On Won’t Seek Mental Health TreatmentSPACE Treatment website, Alec Pollard’s website, YouTube video on compulsive reassurance, YouTube video on compulsive confessing, Podcast on developing effective incentive plans***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 to https://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

When your child can’t explain their OCD, it can feel impossible to know how to help. Many kids feel embarrassed, don’t have the words, or experience OCD as a feeling instead of a clear fear. Sometimes the compulsions come first, making it even harder to put into words.In this episode, I’ll share why kids struggle to explain their OCD and what you can do instead of pushing for answers. You’ll learn how to spot patterns, identify themes, and support your child with both compassion and strategy.✨ Want more step-by-step guidance? Join my free series, Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD starting next week at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com.***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

When your child is stuck in an endless cycle of reassurance, it can feel impossible to break free. Reassurance may bring temporary relief, but for kids with OCD it actually fuels the disorder and makes things worse in the long run.In this episode, I talk about how reassurance becomes a compulsion, why it keeps your child trapped in OCD’s cycle, and what you can do differently instead. You’ll learn practical alternatives you can use right away that support your child without feeding OCD.If you’re looking for more tools and strategies to help your child, check out my free video series, Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD. You can sign up at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com.To get the PDF mentioned in this episode go to www.natashadaniels.com/handouts To watch the Reassurance YouTube video click here.To get the OCD Themes PDF click here.***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

Parents often rely on their usual parenting strategies to help their child with OCD — but those same strategies can actually backfire. In this episode, I break down the most common approaches parents try and explain why they don’t work when it comes to OCD.If you’ve ever felt stuck, repeating the same things without progress, this episode will help you understand why and what to do differently.To get the PDF handout that supplements this episode go to www.natashadaniels.com/episode440✨ Get 50% off all my courses and workshops until October 18, 2025 11:59pm in honor of OCD Awareness Week. Go to AT Parenting Survival School and use the coupon code OCDAWARENESS2025.Links mentioned in podcast:Podcast: Validation vs Accommodations in OCDPodcast: Developing Effective Incentive PlansReel: Distraction vs Refocusing***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

OCD loves to change costumes. One week it’s germs, the next it’s harm or moral worries—and parents are left wondering, “Are we back at square one?” In this episode I explain why theme changes are common, what’s actually staying the same beneath the surface, and how to respond without chasing content.You’ll learn:Why themes change (and why that doesn’t mean regression)How to spot the OCD cycle across any themePractical ways to keep coaching and exposures on track when the fear looks “new”Language you can use with your child when OCD suddenly pivotsWant weekly free OCD parenting support delivered right to your inbox? Get on my newsletter by going to: www.Natashadaniels.com/newsletter.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Join the AT Parenting CommunityCore Fear YouTube PlaylistOCD is an Octopus videoOffense and Defense videoMoral OCD YouTube Playlist***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