Chalkboard to Kitchen Table
Chalkboard to Kitchen Table's mission is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the home, offering parents the tools they need to nurture their children’s academic and emotional growth. Through honest conversations and relatable experiences, we support and inspire parents in their journey of raising resilient, well-rounded, and confident children.
Chalkboard to Kitchen Table
Episode 91: That Bossy Behavior? It Might Be Anxiety Talking!
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Welcome to Chalkboard to Kitchen Table with Trish and Eileen!
In this episode, we’re talking to parents about something that can be easy to misread: when kids come across as bossy, controlling, or “difficult,” it might actually be anxiety underneath.
We break down how anxiety can show up in everyday parenting moments. For example, a child who insists on things being done a certain way, melts down when plans change, or constantly tells others what to do might not be trying to take over but they might be trying to feel safe and in control when things feel uncertain. Even behaviors like asking the same questions over and over, struggling with transitions, or getting upset when they can’t “win” can be rooted in worry rather than defiance.
We keep it real and relatable, walking through situations at home, school, and with siblings where this shows up, and how easy it is to label it as bad behavior instead of looking a little deeper. We also talk about what parents can do in those moments and how to respond with calm and curiosity, how to help kids build flexibility, and how to support them without reinforcing the anxious patterns.
It’s not about excusing challenging behavior, but understanding what’s driving it. Because sometimes, what looks like a kid trying to control everything is actually a kid trying to feel okay.
Join us at the table!
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