Why Rationalizing With Your Child’s OCD Makes It Worse


In my latest podcast episode, I break down why logical explanations, reassurance, and “talking it through” so often backfire when your child has OCD. While rationalizing may feel supportive and calming in the moment, it actually feeds the OCD cycle and strengthens your child’s need for certainty.

I explain what OCD really is, how it operates in the brain, and why it isn’t a problem of logic or understanding. You’ll learn why reasoning with OCD increases doubt instead of resolving it, and how these well-intentioned responses can unintentionally keep your child stuck.

Most importantly, I share a different way to respond, one that supports your child without engaging the OCD, reduces family exhaustion, and helps you feel more confident in the moment.

This episode is for parents who feel like they are constantly explaining, reassuring, or debating—and are ready for a more effective approach.

Empower Your Kids to Help Themselves

We will never fully know all the compulsions our child or teen is doing. We only see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to OCD. That is why it is so important to give our teens the OCD skills to help themselves directly.

Kids and teens can learn how to crush OCD directly in this self-paced, on-demand video course. Plus, there are twelve kids and teens that help teach the course to normalize the struggle even more!

The most important lessons to teach a child with OCD

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and raising a child with OCD can feel especially challenging—even for mental health professionals and parents who live with OCD themselves. However, there are valuable lessons you can teach your child that can transform how they see themselves, their condition, and their future.

NOCD Therapists specialize in treating OCD in children, teens, and adults. They accept most insurance plans and involve the whole family in treatment, empowering you and your loved ones to more effectively support your child. Book a free call to learn more.

Take care,
Natasha


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Hi! I'm Natasha Daniels

I’m a therapist who offers online support to parents raising kids with anxiety and/or OCD. Check out my podcast, Youtube, Courses & Membership. Sign up for my newsletter:

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