If you’ve ever watched your child shut down during homework, meltdown before school, or freeze up in an exam—even though you know they understand the material—this episode is for you.
You’re not imagining it. And your child isn’t being dramatic, difficult, or defiant. What you’re seeing might be anxiety showing up in the body—often long before they have the words to explain what’s wrong. Today, I’m diving deep into what anxiety actually looks like in children, how it differs from simple nerves, and most importantly, how to build a calm, supportive environment so they can show up as their best selves.
As a tutor and cognitive behavioural therapy specialist, I’ve supported hundreds of families navigating school refusal, big emotions, exam stress, and neurodivergence—and I’m bringing that lived experience right to your earbuds today.
In This Episode: Here’s What You’ll Learn 00:00 - What anxiety really looks like in children From meltdowns and stomach aches to refusal and rage—how anxiety hides in plain sight.
03:00 -My own story: 11 schools and a whole lot of bathroom floor cries Why my childhood anxiety fuels the work I do with families today.
08:00 - Nerves vs. anxiety: the key difference parents often miss Plus the one question that helps you tell them apart instantly.
13:00 - The “Flip the Lid” Brain Science Model A child-friendly, research-backed way to explain anxiety and overwhelm (your new favourite dinner analogy).
18:00 – The 3-Layer Toolbox for Tackling Anxiety ✔️ Body Layer: Breathing, grounding, and the Butterfly Hug. ✔️ Mind Layer: The 4Fs for managing spiraling thoughts (facts, focus, feel, flow). ✔️ Environmental Layer: Rituals, sensory supports, and safe spaces.
33:00 – Real Parent Story: How R went from shut-down to self-regulated This bright child with OCD tendencies reclaimed calm—and connection with his family.
55:00 – The Transition Timeline Tool A simple before/during/after reflection strategy to prepare for transitions (like back to school).
Resources & Links Mentioned - 🎁 The Guide To Unlocking Calm
- 🧰 Bettering Youth Website - Emotional literacy, family meetings, and well-being resources
- 📷 Follow us on Instagram - Weekly breathwork + mindset tips
- 📥Join the Newsletter - Get skimmable, practical tools for student wellbeing straight to your inbox
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be the fixer. You just have to be the calm.
Whether you’re building a worry box, practicing breathwork together, or helping your child name their emotions—you are already doing more than enough. You are showing up. And that’s the game-changer.
✨ If this episode helped shift something for you, share it with another parent navigating a tricky patch.
🔔 And don’t forget to follow the podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify- we drop biweekly episodes packed with tools, stories, and support for families like yours.
And if you're looking for something more visual, come join me on Youtube for accompanying video and behind the scenes episodes.
Until next time: You bring the tea. I’ll bring the tools. 💛