Mrs. Weber's Counseling Corner

“There is one simple question that can help you evaluate any anxiety accommodation. Does this help the student DO the thing, or does it help the student AVOID the thing?“

School counselors, we need to talk about anxiety accommodations.
Some of the most common ones we use are actually making students more anxious, not less.

This week’s podcast walks through the research, the brain science, and one fourth grader who taught me everything I thought I knew needed updating.

🎧 New episode: School Counselors, Stop Accommodating Anxiety. (Yes, Really.)
https://schoolforschoolcounselors.com/2026/02/09/school-counselors-stop-accommodating-anxiety-yes-really/

Anxious kids don’t need magic words. They need steady ones.

Words that don’t minimize or dismiss.
Words that help their nervous system exhale.
Words that remind them they’re not broken… they’re human.

When a child is anxious, their brain is in “protect” mode, not “problem-solve” mode. That’s why grounding, co-regulation, and gentle language matter so much. Our words become the bridge between “I can’t do this,” and “Maybe I can take one small step.”

These phrases create safety, connection, and capacity: the foundation of real coping skills.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to have the perfect response. You just have to stay with them, steady and consistent, while their body catches up to the moment.

If you want more tools and phrases to support anxious students (the outward worriers and the quiet ones), comment “tools” and I’ll send some of my favorites your way. 💛

Technology Resources for Parents: Please see comments for links!

Printable encouragement notes perfect for MS or HS!

Free Christian Lunch Box Notes for Teens Printables Free printable Christian lunch box notes with Bible verses & Scripture affirmations. Encouragement cards & faith notes for teens, tweens, & youth groups.

"How to feel less overwhelmed in school. 5 tips for students."

schoolhabits.com

Overcoming Friendship Fears: Conquering Your Shyness Don't let shyness hold you back from making friends. Discover effective strategies to overcome your fears and build strong connections.

Another fabulous parenting resource! A collection of beautiful prayers “for raising compassionate kids in a chaotic world”. Link in comments❤️

Had several hours at the DMV yesterday to read through this devotional and highly recommend for your teen girls! Co-authored by a professional counselor of 25 years, it’s relevant and biblically based. Link in comments!

https://youtu.be/hS811RM3ogU?si=6RhIlQXJHVuDD7V6

Strategies to Deal with Overthinking: How to Stop Overthinking and Overanalyzing! To find more resources to help kids who are dealing with worry, visit my blog here: https://shop.counselorkeri.com/search?type=product&q=worry or find my Wor...

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