Understanding your child’s experience of anxiety

When children are young, their life is full of big moments and new experiences – like learning to ride a bike, starting school and their first sleepover. Feeling nervous or anxious is normal as children grow and learn about the world around them. For some children, it can be difficult to manage these big feelings. As a parent, it can be hard to know what to do.

In this podcast, our host Alicia Ranford talks with psychologist Dr Angie Willcocks about understanding your child’s experience of anxiety and how to support them.

In this episode you will learn:

• what anxiety is and the three components of anxiety [00:49]
• the signs that a child might need professional support [03:36]
• school-related anxiety in children and how to support your child through this [07:58]
• what you can do if you have limited support networks available [14:35]
• strategies to consider if you experience anxiety, so you can best support your child [15:55]
• the three things Dr Angie Willcocks wants you to remember when supporting a child experiencing anxiety [17:53]

Further information and resources:

In focus: Understanding anxiety in children: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/in-focus-understanding-anxiety-in-children/?audience=family

Anxiety in toddlers and preschoolers: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/anxiety-in-toddlers-and-preschoolers/?audience=family

Anxiety in young people: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/anxiety-in-young-people/?audience=family

Getting professional anxiety support for your child: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/getting-professional-anxiety-support-for-your-child/?audience=family

Supporting a child with anxiety: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-a-child-with-anxiety/?audience=family

Understanding temperament and anxiety: a guide for parents: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/understanding-temperament-and-anxiety-a-guide-for-parents/?audience=family