From Anxiety to Achievement: My Son’s Inspiring Journey

Finding out that my son was going to be the valedictorian of his 8th grade class truly touched my heart. It brought back memories of all those moments when his social anxiety felt so big—when it seemed like it had the steering wheel and he was just trying to hang on. I remembered the times he felt overwhelmed, the struggles with opening up to new people, finding the words to express himself in a way that made him feel seen and heard, and the sheer panic that sometimes came with just the thought of being in a crowd. And yet… look at him now. What a beautiful, brave journey it's been.

I can’t even begin to put into words how proud I am of him. It’s truly been a journey—full of highs, lows, growth, and so much courage. Every single day, he’s evolving—finding his voice, stepping more boldly into who he is, and navigating a world that’s bursting with possibilities, even when it feels overwhelming.

Son, you really are that dude. And like I always tell you, I can so clearly see you standing on countless stages, sharing your brilliance and talking about the latest innovations in digital animation. And then, just as gracefully, I see you stepping off those stages and retreating into your quiet place of peace and reflection—because that’s your rhythm, and it’s beautiful. I rock with you 1000%, always.

I soooo love you son. You are truly the most amazing creation, a beautiful light in this world, and I’m endlessly grateful to be your mom. I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll do and become—I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

 For Parents: Supporting a Child with Social Anxiety

 If you’re a parent who sees your child struggling with social anxiety, please know: you are not alone—and neither is   your child. Below are a few tips that helped us, and may help you too.

 1. Listen Without Fixing
 
Sometimes, kids just need a safe place to vent without being told what to do. Instead of rushing in with advice, try:
 “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you. Want to talk more about it?”

 2. Validate Their Experience
 
 Don’t minimize or dismiss their feelings with “you’ll be fine” or “it’s not a big deal.” For them, it is a big deal. Saying,
 “It makes total sense that you feel anxious about that,” can go a long way.

​ 3. Practice Calm Together

     Teach and practice calming strategies before anxiety spikes. Try:

• Deep breathing (4-7-8 method)
• Body scans or grounding exercises
• Short guided meditations (apps like Smiling Mind or Headspace for Kids are great)

 4. Break Social Tasks Into Steps

     Instead of pushing them into overwhelming situations, help them build confidence slowly. For example:

• Step 1: Wave at a classmate.
• Step 2: Say “hi” once a day.
• Step 3: Ask a question during group time.

     Small victories matter.

 5. Model Healthy Self-Talk

 Let them hear you say things like:
 “I’m nervous about this meeting, but I know I can handle it.”
 
  Kids absorb how we handle discomfort and fear.

 6. Consider Professional Support
​
 Therapists who specialize in child anxiety or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be life-changing. Sometimes, just
 a few sessions help kids understand their brains and build coping tools.

​Helpful Resources
Here are some books, apps, and websites that may be helpful:

Books for Parents:
“The Opposite of Worry” by Lawrence Cohen
“Helping Your Anxious Child” by Ronald Rapee
“Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents” by Reid Wilson & Lynn Lyons

Books for Kids:
“What to Do When You Feel Too Shy” by Claire A.B. Freeland
“Hey Warrior” by Karen Young (beautifully explains anxiety to kids)
“The Huge Bag of Worries” by Virginia Ironside

Apps:
Smiling Mind (Free, mindfulness for all ages)
Headspace for Kids
MindShift CBT (especially great for tweens and teens)

Websites:
Child Mind Institute​
GoZen!