Anxious Parenting? Learning to do LESS with Joanna Hardis | EP 329Anxious Parenting? Learning to do LESS with Joanna Hardis | EP 329
The Anxious Truth - A Panic, Anxiety, and Mental Health Podcast
Joanna Hardis joins Drew Linsalata to discuss anxious parenting and the benefits of doing less. Learn how building distress tolerance can improve family dynamics.
38:32•22 Oct 2025
Parenting with Less: Finding Calm in Chaos
Episode Overview
- Anxious parenting often leads to over-involvement.
- Building distress tolerance benefits both parents and children.
- Doing less can foster independence in children.
- Practical exercises help manage parental anxiety.
- Allowing kids to manage emotions builds resilience.
“"It's okay for our kids to feel disappointed, embarrassed, unhappy... It's actually better if we do less."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? Parenting with anxiety can feel like a never-ending juggling act. In this engaging episode of The Anxious Truth, Drew Linsalata welcomes back Joanna Hardis, an anxiety specialist, to discuss the nuances of anxious parenting. Joanna shares insights from her new book, 'Just Do Nothing (For Parents),' offering a fresh perspective on how doing less can actually lead to more effective parenting.
She highlights the importance of building distress tolerance, not just for children, but for parents too. Joanna's approach encourages parents to step back and allow their kids to experience and manage their own emotions, rather than swooping in to rescue them at every turn. The conversation touches on common parental anxieties and the societal pressures that push parents towards over-involvement. Joanna uses humour and real-life anecdotes to illustrate how less intervention can foster independence and resilience in children.
The episode also delves into practical exercises that parents can use to gradually build their tolerance for discomfort, allowing them to respond more intentionally rather than reactively. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and relatable stories for any parent struggling with anxiety. It serves as a gentle reminder that perfection isn't the goal—being present and supportive is. So, are you ready to learn how doing less can actually be more?
Tune in and discover how you can transform your parenting style and your own mental health journey.

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