Understanding anxiety and worry

Sometimes the most useful first step is to understand what you are noticing before deciding how to respond.

Understanding Anxiety and Worry in Children

A broad introduction to what might be happening when your child seems worried, anxious or afraid.

When Anxiety Leads to Avoidance

When your child doesn't want to go, refuses to try, or keeps putting something off, it can be difficult to know how best to respond. This resource explores what might be happening and the questions worth considering before deciding what to do.

Talking with your child

Sometimes you know your child is worried, but you're not sure how to begin a conversation. These resources offer ways to open a conversation, listen to what your child says and explore what's happening without needing to have all the answers.

Talking to Your Child About Worries

Practical ways to begin a conversation, ask a useful question and listen without deciding in advance what your child is experiencing.

Parent Scripts for Anxious Moments

Starting points for words you might use when worry is happening right now. Choose what fits the moment; you don't need to ask every question or solve the worry.

Activities and printables

Sometimes it helps to talk. Sometimes it helps to do something. These resources offer optional activities and simple printable tools to help you and your child explore what is happening, consider possibilities and reflect on difficult moments. Choose what fits; you don't need to use everything.

Anxiety Activities Pack

Printable activities for exploring worry, preparing for difficult moments and reflecting afterwards.

Anxiety Tools

Small, single-use tools for moments when worry or anxiety feels difficult.

Independent Child Activities

Activities children can write, draw or explore in their own way, without having to share their responses.

The Hero’s Journey

The story can stand on its own. If you would like to explore it a little further with your child, these optional resources offer ways to stay with particular moments, notice what is happening and see what stands out. You don't need to use them to enjoy the story.

The Hero’s Journey — Parent Guide

Optional support for parents who want to accompany the story without turning it into a lesson. Explore ways to approach the story, respond to your child and leave room for their own experience.

The Hero’s Journey — Story Companion Pack

Optional ways to stay with particular moments in the story, notice what is happening, and explore what stands out. You can choose one section, leave the rest, or simply enjoy the story on its own.

Family Conversation Resources

Questions to explore together after sharing a story about worry and anxiety. These conversation starters help you explore what stands out in a story, listen to different perspectives and consider a personal connection if one arises naturally. You don't need to use every question or make the conversation about your child.

Supporting Without Taking Over

Explore how to support your child through difficult moments while leaving room for them to think, participate and work things out for themselves. This resource considers how to offer help without automatically taking over, and how to recognise when a child needs support, guidance or an adult to take responsibility.