Episode 7 - Fear, Worry And Why Anxiety Spreads Like Glitter

Welcome back to Emotions with Ease for Families! In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series on anxiety, worry, and fear. These three words often get lumped together, but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can help you guide your kids (and yourself!) through anxious seasons, especially during high-stress times like back-to-school.

You’ll also hear why anxiety spreads “like glitter” in families and how to recognize when worry is running the show. Plus, get a free resource to help parents calm back-to-school stress.

Highlights

[00:00] Welcome + Why We’re Talking Anxiety
Jami introduces the new series and explains why anxiety is one of the most common emotions families get stuck in.

[02:00] Back-to-School Stress Is Real
How the transition back to school sparks anxiety and what parents are reaching out about most.

[04:00] Free Back-to-School Worry Toolkit
Jami shares her free 10-day email challenge with quick, practical tools for parents and kids.

[06:30] Defining Fear
Fear is a response to an immediate, real threat. Example: a barking dog running toward you. Fear’s purpose is to keep us safe.

[10:00] Defining Worry
Worry is a behavior — spinning “what if” thoughts that imagine a future we don’t want. It’s our brain trying to predict and control outcomes.

[15:00] Defining Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s physical reaction to perceived danger. Unlike fear (real threat) or worry (thoughts), anxiety shows up in the body as energy in motion.

[18:00] Parental Anxiety
Why parents who experience anxiety often see it reflected in their kids — and how awareness can turn that into a strength.

Key Takeaways

Fear, worry, and anxiety are different — knowing the distinction helps kids (and parents) respond more effectively.
Fear = real, immediate threat (dog charging, thunder clap).
Worry = imagination at work creating negative “what if” futures.
Anxiety = body’s reaction to perceived danger, even if no threat is present.
Parents who have experienced worry or anxiety are uniquely equipped to guide their children through it.
All emotions serve a purpose — even the hard ones — when we understand their messages.

Resources Mentioned

✨ Ready for quick, practical tools to help your child navigate worry and anxiety?
Grab Jami’s free Back-to-School Worry Toolkit — a 10-day email challenge packed with easy strategies for parents and kids.

👉 Follow Jami on Instagram @sacredgroundcoaching and click the link in her bio to get your toolkit today!