This presentation aims to increase understanding of anxiety in children and provide practical strategies for parents and carers. It explains anxiety symptoms and causes, including the role of genetics, brain physiology, temperament, environment, and parenting behaviours. Ways anxiety differs from normal childhood fears are outlined. Advice is given on explaining worry to children using brain metaphors, and helping them challenge unhelpful thoughts. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing are suggested to calm the body. Graded exposure is recommended to help children face fears. An “anxiety master plan” summarizes the key steps: empathize, relabel worry, shrink thoughts, calm the body, approach fears, refocus on goals, and reinforce courage. Recommended books are provided for further reading. Overall, the presentation focuses on building empathy, avoiding reinforcement of anxiety, and equipping children with skills to manage anxiety.
