anxious - Support for Parents from Action For Children

How can I help when my child feels anxious?

It’s natural to feel worried, scared or anxious sometimes. Help your child to talk about their mental health.

How can I tell if my child is anxious?

Everyday things can cause anxious thoughts. When this is more severe, it can sometimes be referred to as anxiety.

Activity: Help teenagers challenge anxious thoughts

This activity makes it easier to review and release anxious feelings by looking at negative thoughts objectively.

How do I deal with school refusal and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)?

Activity: Describe an object to calm anxious thoughts

This activity helps children refocus, slow their breathing, and feel calmer when they’re feeling very anxious.

Activities to help soothe your child when they feel worried or anxious

If your child feels worried or anxious, you can help them to learn some techniques to feel calmer and more in control.

Autism and anxiety

Autistic children may experience anxious feelings more intensely than other children. It is helpful to know the signs of anxiety.

The worry tree activity for anxious feelings

The worry tree helps children offload worries instead of dwelling on them.

My child is anxious about school transitions or changes

Changes at nursery or school, or college may feel big or overwhelming to your child.

How do I deal with parental burnout?

If you're feeling overwhelmed on a day-to-day basis, you may have parental burnout. Here's how to cope.

Behaviour tips for foster carers and adoptive parents

Behaviour can be challenging for any parent. Adoptive parents and foster carers may face extra challenges with children who’ve experienced trauma.

Getting ready for a new school term

Starting school or going back after a break can feel difficult for children and young people. You can help them prepare.

My child is worried about seeing their other parent

When you’re separated, children can sometimes develop worries about seeing their other parent.

Body image in children and teenagers

Body image is our view of how we look, and how that makes us feel.

How can I tell if my child feels stressed?

Young people can feel stressed by school work, falling out with friends or changes in family life.

How can I help my child with separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is when your child feels upset or fearful about being away from you. You can help them understand.

Understanding and managing my child’s behaviour

If you are finding your child’s behaviour difficult to cope with, there are some things you can do.

Anger management for teens

At times of stress, children may struggle to manage their emotions. This can lead to anger.

Why won’t my baby settle?

It’s natural to feel anxious when your baby won’t settle, but it’s worth going through this checklist first.

Activity: Learn how thoughts affect feelings

This activity shows how thoughts, feelings and actions influence each other, and how to break the chain.

How can I deal with an autistic meltdown?

Autistic meltdowns are a response to the mind or body feeling overwhelmed. They may appear to happen without warning.

What can I do if my young child won’t sleep?

There are some ways you can help your toddler or young child feel calm and sleepy.

How do I know if my child has low self-esteem?

When someone has low self-esteem, they’re more likely to think negatively about their abilities and worth.

How can I tell if my child is lonely?

Every child needs time on their own now and again. But sometimes young people feel some sadness about being alone.

What can I do if my child has a meltdown?

Meltdowns are an involuntary emotional response to overwhelm. Your child will need you to help them regain control of their feelings.

What can I do if my child has a tantrum?

Tantrums are emotional outbursts that show your child needs or wants something. Understanding their needs can help calm your child.

Keeping a behaviour diary

Writing a behaviour diary to track your child’s behaviour can help you spot patterns and access support.

How do I talk to my child about upsetting news?

Sometimes children feel worried by stories they hear about in the news. You can help to reassure your child.

Autism and mental health

If your child is autistic, they may experience some mental health challenges. Here’s how you can help support them.

Is home schooling right for my family?

Switching to home education is not an easy decision to make. It can help to make a list of pros and cons.

How can I help my child when someone dies?

Coping with the death of a loved one is hard. You may feel unsure how to support your child through grief.

How can I support my child at university?

Going to university is often exciting but scary. You can support your child’s mental health and wellbeing at university.

How can I help if my child feels stressed?

You can show your child how to manage feelings of stress in a healthy way.

What support is there for new parents?

Becoming a parent, either for the first time or again, can be exciting and overwhelming. It’s also a big adjustment.

Can I afford to work and pay for childcare?

Looking at the different options will help you find a balance that’s right for you and your family.

What is a young carer and is my child one?

I’m struggling to cope as a parent

There are some things you can do to support yourself and places you can go for help. 

How can I help my child make friends?

Friendships are an important part of children’s lives. They’re crucial for mental, physical and emotional health.

Sut alla i helpu os bydd fy mhlentyn yn teimlo’n bryderus?

How do I co-parent with my ex partner?

Co-parenting can be one of the biggest challenges for separated partners but it can also be a positive experience.

How to manage arguments with my partner

If you’re having lots of difficult conversations with your partner, you might need to think about how you manage these.

My child is having suicidal thoughts

If you’re worried that your child is having thoughts of suicide, there are things you can do to keep them safe.

How can I help my teenager sleep better?

Teenagers tend to get sleepy later than children or adults. Rest is still important, and teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep.

How can I support my child without an autism diagnosis?

If you think your child might be autistic, you can still help and support them without a formal diagnosis.

How can I help my child deal with their emotions?

It can take some time for your child to learn how to deal with their emotions.

Exam results: supporting your child

GCSE or A Level results can be a challenging time for teenagers. You can help your child to navigate the situation.

How can I support my child with their gender identity?

If your child is exploring their gender identity, you might have questions about what it means and how to support them.

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What can I do if my child has nightmares?

Nightmares can be very upsetting for children. Help them feel safe by acknowledging and comforting their fears.

What can I do if my child has night terrors?

Children who have night terrors may shout, thrash around, or jump out of bed. Here’s how to keep them safe.

My child is falling behind at school

Many parents worry how their child will keep up with other children academically. This can be particularly hard if they don't have the support they need to keep up.

How can I manage my toddler’s behaviour?

Toddlers can’t understand the logic behind your instructions. That makes it hard to encourage good behaviour and respond to challenging behaviour.

How can I help boost my child’s wellbeing and happiness?

If your child is finding things difficult right now, it may help to try some mood-boosting tactics.

How can I cope with feelings of parental loneliness?

Understanding the signs of loneliness and having some techniques to help you cope can make all the difference.

How can I support my child’s emotional literacy?

Emotional literacy is the ability to understand, express and cope with emotions. You can help your child develop in this area.

5 benefits of playing outside

Playing outside can support your child's mental health as well as physical and emotional development.

How do I prepare for my child starting school?

Your child going to school for the first time is a big milestone for you and for them.

5 video games to play as a family

Playing certain video games with your child can help encourage healthy gaming habits and offer an opportunity for connection.

My child won’t eat properly and has additional needs

Any child can be a fussy eater. But refusing foods is common for neurodivergent children.

How to help my child regain social skills after lots of time on screens?

If you think your child's screen time might be making them reluctant to socialise, you can find ways to help.

Looking after your mental health with a new baby

Pregnancy and birth can be a magical time for a family, but it can also be difficult to adjust to.

I’m worried about someone else’s child

It’s important to trust your instincts if you think a child is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Coping with money worries

If you're worried about money, you might be able to get help or find ways to cut your outgoings.

My child is being bullied

When your child is being bullied, it may be difficult to know how to support your child.

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