Explore every episode of the podcast AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Support Your Child with OCD Without Losing the Rest of Your Family | 10 Nov 2026 | 00:42:04 | |
When your child is struggling with OCD, it can start to shape the routines, decisions, and emotional energy of the whole family. You want to help your child, but you also want your family to have room for connection, joy, and the ordinary parts of life. In this episode, I’m talking about how parents can begin to make that room again while still supporting a child with OCD. You don’t have to change everything at once. Finding one manageable place to start can help your family move forward. If you’re looking for support with that first step, register for my free AT Parenting Survival Series. I’ll teach you how to create a therapeutic home environment. 🧡 Register at ATParentingSurvivalSeries.com Resources mentioned in episode: When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment by Alec Pollard 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The First Step in Helping Your Child With OCD May Not Be Therapy | 03 Nov 2026 | 00:44:47 | |
When our kids start struggling with OCD it is normal to want to get them into therapy as soon as possible, especially Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the first line treatment for OCD. But going into therapy when a child isn’t ready can be a costly mistake and can sabotage the success of future therapy sessions. In this episode I outline four key components needed to make therapy a success. Often therapy is a middle step, not the first step. Want to know exactly where YOU should start? In my free series, Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with OCD, I teach you how to assess your particular situation and learn where to focus your energy to get the most long term success. 🧡 Register for FREE at www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com Podcasts discussed during episode: How to Build Trust and Communication 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Moral OCD: What to Do When Your Child Keeps Confessing | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:51:03 | |
When a child with moral OCD keeps confessing, even small or uncertain things can start to feel like evidence that they’ve done something wrong. They may feel driven to tell a parent every detail, ask whether they’re a good person, or keep revisiting something they said or did until it feels settled. To a parent, it can be difficult to tell where a child’s conscience ends and OCD’s demand for certainty begins. The urge to confess can bring brief relief, but it often leaves the child needing to confess again the next time doubt shows up. Parents can feel caught between wanting to comfort their child and not wanting to strengthen that cycle. This episode explores how to meet that challenge with compassion while helping a child make room for uncertainty and move forward without waiting to feel completely sure. Resources discussed in episode: Free series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with OCD Course: How to Teach Kids to Crush OCD Course: Crushing OCD Class for Kids and Teens Book: OCD Sucks: A Survival Guide Therapy options: Podcast episodes: How to Create an Effective Incentive Plan Videos for Kids on Moral OCD: How Confessing is a Compulsion How Reassurance Seeking is a 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Most Parents Get Wrong About OCD | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:42:29 | |
Parenting kids with OCD can be tough. Especially since much of how to navigate OCD is counterintuitive. After over two decades supporting parents raising kids, teens and young adults with OCD, I have consistently seen a pattern in what parents get wrong about OCD. In this episode I break down the six most common things parents get wrong, that delay long-term progress and keep families stuck. Resources Discussed: My parent course, How to Teach Kids to Crush OCD My kids course, Crushing OCD Class for Kids My new book OCD Sucks: A Survival Guide Find an OCD therapist at NOCD Find an OCD therapist from this directory *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Six Parenting Struggles No One Talks About When Your Child Has OCD | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:50:52 | |
Parenting a child with OCD can feel lonely in ways people don’t always understand. Even when you know what OCD is, know what you’re supposed to do, and are doing everything you can to help, there are parts of this experience that can feel overwhelming, confusing, and incredibly hard to talk about. In this episode, I’m getting into some of the parenting struggles that often happen behind closed doors when your child has OCD — the parts that don’t always make it into books, treatment plans, or conversations with other parents. If raising a child with OCD has ever left you thinking, “Surely I’m not the only parent dealing with this,” this episode will help you feel a lot less alone. Resources discussed in episode: My new book OCD Sucks: A Survival 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why Doing the Right Thing for Your Child’s OCD Can Feel So Wrong | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:41:38 | |
Sometimes doing the right thing for your child’s OCD can feel completely wrong. When you start pulling back accommodations, your child may actually become more distressed, irritable, or angry. That can leave you wondering: Am I helping, or am I making this worse? In this week’s episode, I talk about why things can get harder when you stop participating in OCD, what that increased distress actually means, and how to support your child without accidentally getting pulled right back into the OCD cycle. Resources discussed: www.atparentingsurvivalschool.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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why is My Child’s OCD So Much Worse at Home?! | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:33:47 | |
Maybe they can go to school, visit friends, or function fairly well outside the house, but the second they get home, OCD seems to take over. That can leave parents wondering why the rules, avoidance, contamination fears, or compulsions seem so much stronger in one environment than another. In this episode, I explain some of the reasons OCD can look different at home, including why home may become a “safer” place for compulsions, how contamination chains can build up over time, and why certain family members or spaces can become incorporated into OCD’s rules. I also talk about what can happen when families start believing that changing locations will solve the problem—and why OCD often finds a way to come along for the ride. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is their OCD so much worse here?” this episode will help you understand what may be going on beneath the surface and what to do about it. Start building skills at home! Get my new book: OCD Sucks: A Survival 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs with Laura Petix | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:51:04 | |
If your child seems to have big reactions to sounds, textures, clothing, food, transitions, or everyday experiences, sensory processing may be playing a bigger role than you realize. In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist Laura Petix, from The OT Butterfly and author of The Sensory Code. We talk about how parents can better understand their child’s unique sensory needs, recognize what may be happening underneath challenging behavior and big emotions, and respond with more empathy and less frustration. Laura also shares practical ways we as parents can help accommodate our child’s sensory issues while empowering them to help themselves. Pre-order Laura’s new book, The Sensory Code When you pre-order, you’ll also receive three special bonuses from Laura. *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Parents Can Cope While Raising a Child With Anxiety or OCD with Janine Halloran | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:51:30 | |
When you’re raising a child with anxiety or OCD, so much of your energy can go toward helping them cope that it’s easy to forget that you need coping skills too. In this episode, I’m joined by Janine Halloran, author of Coping Skills for Everyone: A Workbook to Get Unstressed, Recharge, and Stay Calm in a Chaotic World, to talk about coping skills for adults. We talk about what it looks like to take care of yourself when parenting feels stressful, overwhelming, or emotionally exhausting, and why the coping strategies that work for one person may not work for another. If you spend a lot of time thinking about what your child needs but rarely stop to think about what helps you regulate, recharge, and keep going, this conversation is for you. Learn more about Janine and her new book: Coping Skills for Everyone: A Workbook to Get Unstressed, Recharge, and Stay Calm in a Chaotic World Check out Janine’s website 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Three Skills I Wish Everyone With OCD Knew | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:44:07 | |
If I could sit down with every person who has OCD and teach them just three skills, these are the ones I would choose. In this episode, I’m sharing the three skills I come back to again and again when helping people change their relationship with OCD. They’re simple concepts, but learning how to actually use them when OCD is loud, convincing, and demanding is another story. I’ll talk about why these skills matter, how they work together, and why you don’t have to feel confident or ready before you start practicing them. These ideas are also at the heart of my new book, where I break down OCD recovery in a practical, easy-to-understand way without getting lost in clinical jargon. Learn more about my new book, OCD Sucks: A Survival 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Much Should Parents Be Involved in OCD Treatment? | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:43:07 | |
When your child has OCD, treatment doesn’t happen in a vacuum. OCD comes home with them. It impacts routines, relationships, school, behavior, and often the way the entire family functions. So why are parents sometimes left on the sidelines of OCD treatment? Parents can be one of the most powerful resources in a child’s OCD recovery. You see what happens between therapy sessions, you’re often the one navigating accommodations and difficult behaviors, and you’re in a unique position to help your child practice the skills they’re learning. In this week’s episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I talk about what healthy parent involvement in OCD treatment can look like, what information you should have, when it makes sense for a therapist to protect your child’s privacy, and some red flags that may indicate you’re being left out more than you should be. I also talk about how this changes once your child turns 18 and how parents can continue to be a valuable source of support while respecting their adult child’s privacy and autonomy. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too involved, not involved enough, or whether you should be advocating for a bigger role in your child’s treatment, this episode is for you. 🎓 Learn more about my online courses for parents and kids with anxiety and OCD: www.ATparentingsurvivalschool.com ⭐ Join the waitlist for the AT Parenting Community: Get the free PDF 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When Your Child Won’t Tell You What Their OCD Is About | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:46:19 | |
One of the hardest parts of parenting a child with OCD is not knowing what’s actually going on. Your child insists they’re “fine,” avoids your questions, or simply can’t explain what they’re experiencing. It can leave you feeling confused, shut out, and unsure of how to help. In this episode, I talk about why so many kids keep their OCD hidden, even from the people they trust most. You’ll learn why silence is often part of OCD itself and why pushing for answers can unintentionally make it harder for your child to open up. We’ll also discuss practical ways to build trust, strengthen communication, and support your child, even when you don’t fully understand what their OCD is about. Because you don’t need to know every intrusive thought to begin helping your child make progress. Mentioned in this episode: Download the free companion handout: www.natashadaniels.com/handouts 🎙️ Listen to my related episode, The First Steps to Progress: Trust and Communication: https://childocdtherapist.com/trust-and-communication/ 🧡 Join the AT Parenting Community for weekly classes, parent support, kid and teen groups, and a growing library of courses: *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When OCD Makes Your Child’s Thoughts Feel Contaminated | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:37:32 | |
Most people think contamination OCD is about germs, chemicals, or bodily fluids. But what happens when your child feels like a thought, memory, word, person, or experience has become contaminated? In this episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast, Natasha Daniels explores mental contamination OCD—a lesser-known but surprisingly common form of OCD that can leave children feeling like something is dirty, ruined, tainted, or unsafe, even though nothing has physically changed. You’ll learn how OCD can convince kids that contamination spreads through intrusive thoughts, memories, emotions, people, places, and even words, leading them to avoid objects, throw things away, mentally “erase” thoughts, or start over in an attempt to feel clean again. In this episode, you’ll discover:
If your child suddenly refuses to wear certain clothes, avoids places that “feel wrong,” throws away perfectly good belongings, or believes a thought has somehow contaminated an object, this episode will help you understand what’s happening, and what actually helps. Want more support? Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to help your child overcome OCD inside my online courses at ATParentingSurvivalSchool.com. Free Podcast Handout Download the companion handout for this episode at: Videos on Contamination OCD How to Handle Your Contamination OCD Trying to Beat Contamination? OCD Doesn’t Play Fair. 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_parenting *** This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: Understanding Your Ground Zero in Contamination OCD *** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Chronic Illness Impacts a Child’s Mental Health with Chyllia Dixon | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:44:08 | |
In this episode, I talk with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Chyllia Dixon about the emotional impact of growing up with a chronic illness and the unique mental health challenges children and families can face along the way. Drawing from both her professional experience and her own childhood experience with Juvenile Myositis, Chyllia shares insight into what chronically ill kids may be carrying emotionally, the importance of helping children stay connected to the present moment, and ways parents can support their child’s mental health while navigating an ongoing medical condition. We also talk about Chyllia’s children’s book, Ellie and the Oh (Ellie the Elephant), which encourages children to slow down and be present in the moment. All profits from the book are donated to the CureJM Foundation to help fund research and bring hope to children living with Juvenile Myositis. Learn more about Chyllia at Hazelwood Mental Health and learn more about the CureJM Foundation at CureJM.org. *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Parents Get Wrong When Deciding Whether OCD Treatment Is Working | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:41:57 | |
It can be hard to tell whether OCD treatment is helping, especially when compulsions haven’t noticeably decreased, distress seems higher, or new themes suddenly appear. But progress is not always measured by how quiet OCD looks on the outside. Sometimes treatment is preventing OCD from getting worse. Sometimes a therapist is building trust and readiness before beginning ERP. And sometimes increased distress is a sign that your child is learning to face discomfort instead of immediately escaping it. In this episode, I’ll walk through the common ways parents misjudge treatment progress and the less obvious signs that therapy may be working, from greater openness and willingness to attend, to applying skills across themes, doing more of what OCD once blocked, and beginning to feel more hopeful. Download the free episode handout at www.natashadaniels.com/handouts and explore my OCD courses for parents, kids, and teens at atparentingsurvivalschool.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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Parents Get Wrong About OCD Intrusive Thoughts | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:47:05 | |
If your child has OCD, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to make their intrusive thoughts go away. It’s an understandable instinct, but it’s also one of the biggest misconceptions about OCD. In this episode, I’ll unpack the common misunderstandings parents have about OCD intrusive thoughts and explain why many well-intentioned responses can accidentally keep OCD going. We’ll talk about why recovery isn’t about eliminating intrusive thoughts, why logic and reassurance rarely work, how OCD follows predictable themes and core fears, and what ERP is actually designed to do. When you understand how intrusive thoughts really work, you’ll stop chasing the content of OCD and start helping your child build the skills that lead to lasting recovery. Whether your child struggles with harm OCD, contamination OCD, moral OCD, relationship OCD, or another theme entirely, this episode will help you respond with more confidence and less fear. 🧡 To get today’s PDF handout go to 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The 7 Parenting Traps That Quietly Keep OCD in Charge | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:44:21 | |
As parents, we naturally want to comfort, protect, and help our children. But when OCD enters the picture, some of our most loving instincts can unintentionally keep the OCD cycle going. In this episode, I walk through seven common parenting traps that quietly strengthen OCD, not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because OCD is incredibly good at recruiting parents into its game. These are subtle shifts, but they can dramatically change how you respond to OCD, and how your child learns to respond to it too. Download the free PDF handout for this episode: www.natashadaniels.com/handouts 🧡 Want more support? If you’re ready to stop feeling like you’re figuring this out alone, I’d love to welcome you into the AT Parenting Community. Inside, you’ll get access to my main courses, weekly live classes, a private parent community, monthly calls for parents, kids, and teens, practical tools you can use right away, and ongoing guidance to help you confidently navigate OCD and anxiety. Learn more and join us at: www.atparentingcommunity.com doors close on July 23, 2026. *** *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Growing Up with OCD: Izzy’s Story of Courage and Determination | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:36:05 | |
Growing up with OCD isn’t easy, especially when it tries to convince you to give up the things you love. In this episode, I sit down with Izzy, a child in The AT Parenting Community kids support group, as she shares her personal journey with OCD. She opens up about when her symptoms began, what it has been like navigating treatment, and how she has learned to keep pursuing the activities she’s passionate about, even when OCD tells her not to. Izzy’s story is an honest and inspiring reminder that courage isn’t about feeling fearless. It’s about continuing to move toward what matters, even when OCD is loud. Whether you’re raising a child with OCD or your child is struggling to believe recovery is possible, I hope Izzy’s story offers hope and encouragement. Sometimes the most powerful encouragement comes from hearing another child’s story. I know Izzy’s willingness to share hers will inspire so many families. Links Mentioned in Episode: Join the AT Parenting Community. Doors close July 23, 2026. *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Learning to Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Expected | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:51:32 | |
Every parent begins their journey with hopes and expectations. We imagine what family life will look like, what milestones our children will reach, and the experiences we’ll share together. But when anxiety, OCD, autism, ADHD, chronic illness, or other challenges change that picture, many parents find themselves quietly grieving the life they thought they’d have. In this episode, we talk about the difference between grieving and getting stuck in grief. You’ll learn why it’s okay to mourn the expectations you once held, how societal pressures and comparisons can make parenting even harder, and why clinging to artificial timelines often creates unnecessary stress for both you and your child. We’ll also explore what it means to truly parent the child in front of you, not the child you imagined. Every child needs something different, and learning when to gently push, when to pause, and how to adjust your approach can transform your relationship and help your child thrive. Ultimately, our goal isn’t to raise children who check every box or meet every milestone on someone else’s schedule. It’s to raise children who feel empowered, heard, loved, and willing to keep trying, even when life doesn’t go as planned. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, worried your child is falling behind, or found yourself grieving the parenting journey you expected, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Get the free PDF handout of this episode Register here for the FREE parenting series: How to Be an Anchor for Your Child 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 8 Signs You Don’t Fully Understand Your Child’s OCD | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:45:08 | |
Even the most dedicated parents can unintentionally miss what OCD is really doing. If you’ve ever wondered why your child’s OCD keeps changing, why the same strategies don’t seem to work anymore, or why treatment feels like it’s not getting to the root of the problem, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’ll walk you through eight common signs that you may be viewing your child’s OCD through a lens that keeps you focused on the surface instead of what’s driving it underneath. When you begin to understand how OCD actually operates, you’ll know what to pay attention to, what to stop chasing, and how to respond in ways that support lasting recovery. This episode will help you shift from reacting to OCD’s content to understanding its patterns—so you can parent with more confidence and help your child make meaningful progress. Resources Mentioned: • Get the free podcast PDF Handout of this episode • Parent Course: How to Teach Kids to Crush OCD • Video: How OCD is Like an Octopus • Podcast: When Reassurance Becomes an OCD Compulsion: How to Respond Differently • Podcast: When OCD Recovery Feels Worse Before It Feels Better *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When OCD Recovery Feels Worse Before It Feels Better | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:48:25 | |
Starting treatment for OCD can be one of the most hopeful steps a family takes, but it can also be one of the most confusing. Many parents expect that once their child begins therapy, exposures, or a new approach at home, things should immediately improve. Instead, they are often surprised when anxiety spikes, meltdowns increase, or OCD seems louder than ever. In this episode, I explore why OCD recovery can initially feel worse before it feels better. OCD thrives on avoidance, distraction, reassurance, and other coping strategies that provide short term relief. When children begin treatment, they often stop relying on those unhealthy coping mechanisms and start facing their fears directly. While this is an important part of recovery, it can temporarily make anxiety and distress feel more intense. I explain how OCD is not a passive disorder. It actively fights back when challenged. It may convince children that therapy is making them worse, tell them not to talk about their fears, flood them with more intrusive thoughts, or create intense distress during ERP and other evidence based approaches. Parents using strategies like SPACE may also notice an increase in emotional reactions as OCD loses its grip. Parents will learn why these early bumps in the road are often a normal part of the recovery process and how to prepare for them. I share practical ways to set expectations, build coping skills, develop a plan for tolerating distress, communicate effectively with therapists, and support children without pushing them too far too fast. If you have ever wondered whether treatment is working because things seem harder than before, this episode will help you understand what may really be happening and how to stay the course with confidence. Resources Mentioned in Episode: Free Anchor Series for parents Click here to get your PDF Handout for this episode YouTube video on how OCD sabotages therapy YouTube video on how OCD shuts down communication *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Common OCD Themes Even Therapists Sometimes Miss | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:55:02 | |
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 OCD Get your PDF handout of today’s episode here. OCD Therapy through NOCD FREE Therapist Workshop on OCD Crushing OCD Workbook for Kids Chloe and The Bossy Cloud OCD Picture Book *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Jun 2026 | 00:46:37 | |
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 lives If 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 episode Emetophobia Videos: https://youtu.be/mvQlW3iSU5U?si=b-UBrQdNR7ze0gKx https://youtu.be/cclkHTOX0co?si=tuSIySbvUlVdzBui https://youtu.be/oShDAdBugJ0?si=MfdwLU2xx1xocR9c https://youtu.be/KvhjJqSXDRw?si=aJiOJKyJn1LYUdGZ Books Mentioned: Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide by Natasha Daniels Overcoming Emetophobia Exposure Workbook by Natasha Daniels Facing 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is Your Child’s “Defiance” Actually Caused by OCD? | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:51:40 | |
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/handouts Get 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Things Parents Often Miss in Kids with Contamination OCD | 26 May 2026 | 00:47:50 | |
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: 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 Handouts and Courses: How to find the Core Fear Workshop *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 May 2026 | 00:48:37 | |
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 Pulling 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Helping Kids with Just Right OCD | 12 May 2026 | 00:38:32 | |
“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/handouts Youtube 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 Feeling *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 May 2026 | 00:40:15 | |
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: Video on Reassurance as an OCD Compulsion Video 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Apr 2026 | 00:47:43 | |
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: Podcast 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Apr 2026 | 00:46:59 | |
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.com Get 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Apr 2026 | 00:54:22 | |
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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Apr 2026 | 00:45:12 | |
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 OCD Links mentioned in podcast: Podcast: How to Use Reassurance Cards Podcast: How to Create an Effective Incentive Plan Podcast: 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| An Important Difference Between Anxiety vs OCD Reassurance | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:40:54 | |
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 here Free series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD Video: How Reassurance is a Compulsion Podcast: How to Use Reassurance Cards Podcast: 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ARFID: Is It OCD, Anxiety, or an Eating Disorder? | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:59:28 | |
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: Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta - Dr. Megan Faye 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| OCD Compulsions Parents Don’t See | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:38:51 | |
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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Mar 2026 | 00:42:16 | |
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: -Videos on Harm OCD: https://youtu.be/qQgTkIfUFDM?si=0c9wIFghIctn4BCT https://youtu.be/XR0anBw_NIY?si=ggHSaxbhkdlkvOjF https://youtu.be/hPOJW3iXRwU?si=lFAcTY7qMX7DMiXh *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Mar 2026 | 00:31:40 | |
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 episode Join the AT Parenting Community for live classes, parent support, and ongoing guidance Related YouTube videos: Reassurance and Why It Grows OCD How 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Feb 2026 | 00:48:57 | |
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 OCD If 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Feb 2026 | 00:40:36 | |
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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Feb 2026 | 00:44:31 | |
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. *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://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 Feb 2026 | 00:35:49 | |
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:
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: Anxiety 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How to Find the Right Help for Your Child with OCD | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:43:31 | |
When parents start looking for help for a child with OCD, the process can feel confusing, overwhelming, and high-stakes. Between therapy options, medication questions, and different levels of care, it’s hard to know what actually matters — and what doesn’t. In this episode, I break down what parents really need to know when seeking treatment for OCD. We talk about why the therapist’s training matters more than their degree, and what specific approaches are most effective for OCD. I explain the importance of evidence-based modalities like CBT with ERP, ACT, and why family involvement is essential, especially for kids and teens. I also walk through the different levels of care, from outpatient therapy to intensive and residential programs, and how to know when a higher level of support may be appropriate. For parents considering more intensive treatment, I share key questions to ask programs so you can better understand whether the environment is truly appropriate for a child with anxiety or OCD, including how much individual therapy is provided, the mix of diagnoses in the program, and the overall level of safety and stability. Finally, I touch on several well-known OCD treatment programs parents often hear about, and how to think through these options thoughtfully. This episode is designed to help parents feel more informed, more grounded, and more confident as they navigate treatment decisions, because finding the right support can make a meaningful difference in your child’s recovery. If you are new to this OCD journey, take my free OCD webinar, 5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know When Helping Their Child with 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Do You Have Enough Support Helping Your Child with OCD? | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:42:57 | |
Parenting a child with OCD can feel incredibly isolating. Your child is on their own journey with anxiety or OCD, but that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to navigate it alone. In this episode, I talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of helping kids with OCD: parent support. I explore questions like:
I also share why having a community matters so much when you’re raising a child with anxiety or OCD — not just for emotional support, but for practical tools, shared wisdom, and grounding perspective when OCD is loud. At the end of the episode, I talk about the AT Parenting Community, which is currently open for a limited time. Inside the community, parents get access to:
If you’ve been trying to do this on your own, this episode is an invitation to pause and ask: Do I have enough support — and what would change if I did? 🧡 The AT Parenting Community is open until Thursday. Join us 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Progress Actually Looks Like for Kids with Anxiety or OCD | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:52:05 | |
When you’re raising a child with anxiety or OCD, progress can feel confusing, inconsistent, or even invisible at times. In this episode, we explore how your mindset around progress directly impacts the energy, pressure, and expectations your child feels as they navigate their struggles. We start by unpacking our relationship with the idea of progress and how common, well-intended beliefs can actually make things harder — like rigid goalposts, unrealistic end goals, artificial timelines, or the belief that anxiety or OCD must be permanently “fixed” to count as success. Then we shift into a more supportive and sustainable way of viewing progress. One that includes flexible goals, small daily or weekly wins, and an understanding that your child’s mental health journey is fluid, not linear. When we remove external pressure and let go of unrealistic timelines, we create space for real growth, resilience, and trust. This episode will help you recalibrate how you define progress so you can show up calmer, steadier, and more grounded for your child. How we show up to our child’s struggles makes a huge impact. Want to learn how to be a steady anchor for your child’s anxiety and OCD? 🧡 Register for my FREE Anchor Series for Parents at atparentingsurvivalseries.com. The series is running from January 8th through January 16th, so you can still catch it! *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Hidden Cost of Parenting Your Child’s Anxiety or OCD from Fear | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:48:51 | |
When your child is struggling with anxiety or OCD, fear can quietly take over your parenting. Fear of making things worse. Fear of missing something. Fear of what the future might hold. In this episode, I explore the hidden cost of parenting from that place. I talk about how fear often shows up in ways we don’t always recognize, such as agitation, constant anxiety, over-cheerleading, or swinging into punitive responses when we are exhausted and overwhelmed. While these reactions are completely understandable, they can unintentionally undermine trust and keep both parent and child stuck. I also share how things shifted when I stopped parenting from fear and began meeting my child exactly where they were. That change did not mean doing less. It meant responding differently. By building trust and creating emotional safety, my child was able to feel more empowered and begin taking ownership of their own struggles. This episode is for parents who are trying their best but feel stuck in survival mode. We talk about how to recognize fear-driven parenting patterns and how moving toward a more anchored approach can change the tone of your relationship and support your child’s growth. Learn how to be a solid anchor for your child in my free series. Register here. -Watch the Instagram reel on anchored vs unanchored parenting. -Take the SPACE Study Guide Course here. -Read: When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Are You Talking to Your Child or Your Child’s OCD?! | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:57:32 | |
One of the hardest parts of raising a child with OCD is figuring out who you’re actually talking to. Is it your child… or is it their OCD pulling you into another loop? In this episode, we talk about the different ways OCD ropes parents in—whether it’s endless reassurance seeking, constant confessing, permission checking, “just right” demands, or those sneaky checking questions like, “Do I look sick?” or “Is this bad?” I’ll walk you through how to spot when OCD is taking over the conversation: the circular back-and-forth that goes nowhere, the distress when you don’t answer the “right” way, or the need for more and more clarity tied to their specific OCD themes. Then we shift into what you can do. We’ll cover how to talk to your child about these patterns ahead of time, how to team up on a plan for responding, and how to use exposures and tools (like reassurance cards) to stop feeding the OCD loop. And finally, an important reminder: not talking to OCD does not mean ignoring your child. You can still validate, support, connect, and check in, just without fueling compulsions. Pulling yourself out of OCD’s conversations is often one of the first big steps toward real progress. Links Mentioned in this episode: PDF handout for this episode: www.natashadaniels.com/handouts Join my free series: How to Be an Effective Anchor for Your Child’s Anxiety or OCD — www.atparentingsurvivalseries.com Youtube video: Reassurance can Be a Compulsion Youtube video: Confessions Can be a Compulsion Podcast: How to Use Reassurance Cards *** 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_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Building Trust When Your Child Has OCD | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:36:17 | |
In this episode, we explore why trust is the foundation for helping a child with OCD. When trust is missing, kids shut down, hide their struggles, and resist therapeutic strategies. I share simple, practical ways to build (and rebuild) trust — from validating their experience, to going at their pace, to connecting with who they are beyond OCD. Even small shifts can strengthen your relationship and make real progress possible. ⚓️ If you want in-depth support in how to be an effective anchor for your child’s anxiety and OCD register for free 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Helping Your Child Survive the Holidays with OCD and Anxiety | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:35:23 | |
The holidays can be magical — but for kids with OCD and anxiety, they can also be overwhelming. In this episode, Natasha helps parents prepare for the unique challenges that come with travel, family gatherings, disrupted routines, and sensory overload. You’ll learn how to anticipate triggers before they happen, create a holiday coping map with your child, set boundaries with relatives, and protect your child’s regulation during busy days. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just hosting at home, this episode gives you simple tools to make the holidays more manageable—and even enjoyable—for your child. You’ll walk away feeling prepared, supported, and confident going into the holiday season. Get the PDF template on how to write a text or email to your family about your child’s anxiety and OCD struggles at www.natashadaniels.com/handout ⚓️ If you want in-depth support in how to be an effective anchor for your child’s anxiety and OCD register for free 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Staying Present When Your Child’s OCD Is Loud | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:42:40 | |
When your child’s OCD gets loud, it’s so easy to get swept into the panic, the questions, the intensity. But the calmer and more grounded you stay, the faster they can settle. In today’s episode I’m breaking down how to stay present when everything in you wants to react — and why this one skill changes the tone of your entire home. If you want deeper support in staying steady during your child’s anxiety or OCD storms, my new series will walk you through it step-by-step. Register for free 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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When Professionals Get Your Child’s OCD Wrong | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:46:01 | |
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 to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This 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.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||