Raising Worry-Free Girls by Dr. James Dobson

July 7-8, 2022
Guest: Sissy Goff, M.Ed.

Part 1
Sissy Goff, a counselor and author of Raising Worry-Free Girls, says anxiety always involves an overestimation of the problem, and an underestimation of self. On today’s edition of Family Talk, she warns parents not to rescue their daughter, which only serves to validate her anxiety. In essence, a parent might say, “You’re right, sweetheart, your concern is too big and you’re too small. You can't do it.” Instead, it’s critical to tell her, “You are capable. And I believe in you!” That will build her confidence, empowering her to become more resilient and independent.

Part 2
The average age of onset anxiety for girls used to be eight. Today, with the added stress of social media and the pandemic, coupled with an increased emphasis on academic and athletic performance, the average age in which therapists are diagnosing anxiety in little girls is six. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and his guest, Sissy Goff, author of Raising Worry-Free Girls, discuss how girls can experience intrusive thoughts and get stuck, like a single-loop roller coaster. Sissy notes that a father’s affirmation of his daughter can provide relief and create connection. In addition, meditating on whatever is true, noble, and lovely, as Philippians 4:8 instructs us to do, is another way to combat the “worry monster.”