Free Live Session: 5 Gentle, Research-Backed Ways to Help Your Child with Anxiety

It’s tough to watch your child struggle with worry. Maybe they cling to you at the school gate, or bedtime turns into a cycle of “what if” questions that never seem to stop. Perhaps they avoid the very things you know they’d usually enjoy. As a parent, it’s natural to feel helpless, frustrated, and even a little lost.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I help my child with anxiety?”, you’re not alone. Many parents face this same question, and the good news is that there are gentle, practical ways forward. Children can learn to manage anxiety, and you can play a powerful role in helping them build confidence.

At The STILL Method, we’ve supported families through this journey for years, and we know change is possible. That’s why we run our Free Live Session, a welcoming space where parents can learn practical strategies that actually work in real family life. But before you join us there, let’s look at five approaches that can start making a difference right now.

Start Small and Build Slowly

When children are anxious, it’s tempting to protect them by steering clear of the things that cause stress. It feels kinder in the moment, but over time avoidance can make worries grow. A better way is to support your child in facing fears gently, one step at a time.

Imagine your child is anxious about speaking in class. You might begin by practising together at home where they feel safe. From there, you could encourage them to share a story with a sibling or a close friend. Gradually, as they succeed in these smaller moments, their confidence grows, and the once overwhelming challenge becomes manageable.

This process doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and encouragement, it helps children see that they are capable of more than they first believed. And in our Free Live Session, we’ll guide you through exactly how to use this approach in everyday life.

Teach Calming Tools They Can Use Anywhere

Anxiety isn’t just in the mind. Children often feel it in their bodies. Their hearts may race, their stomachs churn, or they feel shaky and restless. Teaching calming techniques helps them regain a sense of control when those physical symptoms strike.

A simple breathing exercise can work wonders. You can guide your child to breathe in through the nose, pause for a moment, and then breathe out slowly through the mouth. Doing this together when they’re calm builds a skill they can rely on during anxious moments, whether that’s in the classroom, at bedtime, or on the way to school.

These small practices not only ease the body’s response to anxiety but also give children confidence that they have tools they can use anytime.

Show Them Their Feelings Make Sense

It’s natural to want to reassure your child with phrases like, “Don’t worry” or “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” But while well-meaning, those words can sometimes leave children feeling misunderstood. A better way is to acknowledge their feelings with warmth and empathy.

Saying something like, “I can see you’re really worried, and that must feel hard,” helps children feel heard and supported. They begin to understand that while their feelings are real, those feelings don’t have to control their actions. This validation strengthens the bond between parent and child, and it lays the groundwork for tackling worries together.

In our Free Live Session, we’ll share language that reassures without feeding the fear, so you feel confident in responding when anxiety shows up.

Create Calm Routines for Everyday Life

Children thrive on rhythm and predictability. When daily routines are calm and consistent, they offer a sense of safety that can ease anxiety.

Think about bedtime as one example. A regular wind-down routine with gentle transitions such as a story, soft lighting, and a quiet moment together helps children settle more easily. Ensuring they have enough physical activity during the day and reducing screen time before sleep can also make a real difference to their overall mood.

These routines aren’t about perfection. They’re about creating an environment where your child knows what to expect and feels reassured by the steady rhythm of family life.

Be the Role Model They Can Follow

Children watch how we handle stress. If we meet challenges with calmness, even when we’re nervous inside, they learn by example. This doesn’t mean parents have to be flawless or never feel anxious. It simply means being open about how you cope, perhaps by saying, “I’m feeling worried, so I’m going to take a deep breath and slow down.”

When your child sees you managing your emotions with care, they realise they can do the same. This powerful modelling often speaks louder than any advice you could give.

And in our Free Live Session, we’ll share practical ways to look after your own calm so that you can pass that sense of steadiness on to your child.

When to Seek Extra Support

Every child feels anxious sometimes, but if anxiety starts to take over daily life, if school refusal becomes constant, if sleep is always disrupted, or if friendships are being avoided, it may be time to seek extra help. Asking for support doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. It shows you’re taking steps to give your child the tools they need to thrive.

Our Free Live Session is designed as that first step, a safe place to explore ideas, try out tools, and realise that you’re not alone in this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children grow out of anxiety?
Some do, but many benefit from learning skills to manage it. Support makes a big difference.

Should I talk to my child about their anxiety?
Yes. Honest, simple conversations help them feel understood and supported.

How do I know if my child’s anxiety is serious?
If it consistently interferes with school, friendships, or sleep, it may be worth seeking professional advice.

Can lifestyle changes help with anxiety?
Absolutely. Small changes to sleep, exercise, and routine often reduce overall stress levels.

How do I keep calm when my child is anxious?
Children take cues from us. Practising your own calming strategies shows them how to cope.

Is the Free Live Session really free?
Yes. It’s our way of giving parents practical tools without barriers. You’ll leave with ideas you can use straight away.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Hope

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t define your child’s future. With gentle support, small steps, and the right tools, children can learn to manage their fears and grow in confidence.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Our Free Live Session is here to guide you, answer your questions, and give you proven strategies that work in real life.

👉 Join our Free Live Session today and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident future for your child.