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A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child with Anxiety

9 May 2025 by James Bradshaw

If your child shows signs of anxiety, you are not alone. In my work with hundreds of children each year through outdoor learning and forest school sessions at Ambleford, I’ve seen how common anxiety is among children of all ages. Sometimes it shows up quietly—in a child who clings to the edges of a group or activity—or more visibly, in tears and refusals to leave a parent. Either way, anxiety can be a real barrier to enjoyment, learning, and confidence.

This isn’t just anecdotal. According to NHS Digital, one in six children aged 5 to 16 had a probable mental health disorder in 2020, with anxiety among the most prevalent conditions. That’s a lot of children—and a lot of parents trying their best to support them.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal part of life and a natural response to stress or danger—in fact, I believe that it’s important for children to feel and overcome anxiety on a regular basis. It’s part of how they learn resilience and figure out what they’re capable of. As parents, it is our job to allow that natural process to happen rather than shelter them from it. But when anxiety starts to interfere with your child’s everyday life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. I’ve seen it show up in all sorts of ways:

  • Excessive worry about school, social situations, or safety
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches
  • Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
  • Avoidance of certain activities or places
  • Irritability or clinginess

Sometimes it’s a child who freezes at the thought of joining a game because they’re scared of getting it wrong. Other times, it’s a little one who needs the loo three times in an hour, just to get a break from a situation that feels too big.

Potential Causes of Anxiety in Children

I’m no expert, but from what I’ve seen and learned over the years, there’s rarely just one reason a child feels anxious. Usually, it’s a bit of a cocktail:

  • Genetics: A family history of anxiety or mental health issues
  • Environment: Stressful life events like divorce, illness, or bullying. This is also increasing evidence that technology use plays a factor (I have another article on this).
  • Personality: Some children are simply wired to feel things more deeply
  • Parenting style: Even with the best intentions, we can accidentally overprotect or overpressure
  • Exposure to adult anxieties: Kids are brilliant at picking up what we’re putting down—even when we think we’re hiding it well

In my experience, it’s often a mix of a naturally sensitive child and a world that moves a bit too fast and loud for them.

What Parents Can Do to Help

While anxiety can feel overwhelming (for you and for them), there are lots of things that can help. These are some strategies I’ve seen work wonders:

1. Stay Calm and Reassuring

Children take their cues from us. If we look panicked, they assume there’s a real reason to be afraid. I’ve seen anxious children relax just from having a calm adult nearby who lets them know, through their tone and body language, that everything’s okay.

2. Avoid Reinforcing the Fear

It’s natural to want to ask, “Are you scared about school today?” but it can make things worse. Try instead: “How are you feeling about today?” or “What do you think might happen?” A simple reframe, but it opens the door to conversation rather than reinforcing worry.

3. Encourage Facing Fears Gradually

Avoiding fears might feel better in the short term, but it usually makes anxiety worse down the line. Help your child tackle tricky situations in small steps. We often let kids watch an activity before joining in, and nine times out of ten, they end up giving it a go when they’re ready.

4. Create a Predictable Routine

Anxious kids thrive on knowing what’s coming next. Regular routines—for meals, bedtimes, and school mornings—can make the world feel less chaotic. Even our forest school sessions (as wild as they may seem!) follow a familiar rhythm, and the children take great comfort in knowing what to expect.

5. Listen Without Judgement

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be there and really listen. Let them talk without jumping in to fix it or tell them not to worry. I’ve sat with many a worried child and said, “That sounds tough. I’m really glad you told me.” And honestly, you’d be amazed what just being heard can do.

6. Limit Anxiety Triggers

Think about what might be fuelling their stress. Too much news? Overscheduled days? Too much screen time? Try swapping in quiet time, nature walks, creative play—anything that helps them decompress. I’m always amazed by the calming effect a bit of mud and fresh air can have. It’s not magic, but it’s pretty close.

7. Avoid Passing on Your Own Anxieties

This one’s tricky. We all worry, especially when it comes to our children. But it helps to check ourselves before saying things like, “I hated maths at school too,” or “I always worry about meeting new people.” We don’t have to be perfect—just mindful of what we’re passing on.

8. Seek Professional Help When Needed

If anxiety is seriously affecting your child’s life, don’t be afraid to reach out. Your GP, school mental health team, or a child psychologist can offer support. You’re not failing—you’re advocating, and that’s one of the strongest things a parent can do.

You’re Not Alone

Parenting an anxious child can feel like walking a tightrope in a fog. But you’re not on your own. Talk to other parents, join support groups, and lean on professionals when needed.

Most importantly, remember: anxiety doesn’t define your child. With your love and support, they can build the tools to navigate life with confidence. At Ambleford, we are not the solution but can be an important part of it. I’ve seen kids go from hiding behind their parent’s leg to leading the way through the woods, marshmallow stick in hand and a big grin on their face. It takes time—but it happens. And it’s absolutely beautiful to watch.

www.ambleford.com

Filed Under: Life Style

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Flora Homewood
06:56 22 Feb 25
My daughter had the most wonderful day and enjoyed every part. She came home smiling and full of stories. She loved the activities, your dog and the goats and she was so proud of what she had achieved (fire lighting, bracelet making, whittling and even mud sliding! ).
cnc Router Cutting
06:17 20 Feb 25
Leander(7) just had another 3 amazing days immersed in a unique outdoor woody earthy vibe. He got to run around a lot and express parts of himself in making new friends, being part of a group/tribe, making team dens and play defending them as well as learning bush craft skills. He's tired and happy at the end of the day, content, how it aught to be. Thank you all at Ambleford Farm for creating a safe and magical world for him and others.
Holly Creusot
16:05 19 Feb 25
My boys absolutely love Ambleford - James and the team are great. Highly recommend!
Jades Thomas
18:16 17 Feb 25
A fabulous forest school with such innovative and creative activities for the children. My 5 year old son had a fantastic time today!
Iszi Vine
17:55 17 Feb 25
My 7 year old daughter absolutely loves going to her home Ed day at Ambleford as well the holiday club. I believe she’s made friends for life here. She can truly be herself and gets up to all sorts of fun & mischief in nature. Highly recommend.
Zaneta T.
13:33 20 Jan 25
We celebrated our son’s birthday at Ambleford farm and everyone truly enjoyed themselves the whole time. It captivated both, boys and girls and they all loved learning lots of new bushcraft skills.
Rebecca Wareham
00:03 05 Jan 25
An absolutely wonderful archery and axe throwing party for my daughter’s 8th birthday. She, her friends and we had a brilliant time. James was so helpful from start to finish and so good with all the children, making the activities so much fun for everyone. The setting is stunning, even more atmospheric with all the frost, and it truly was a very special experience. Thank you! Thoroughly recommend!
R & K Tree
21:15 29 Dec 24
My 8 year old absolutely loves the weekly home education sessions at Ambleford. James and Vinny are superb with the children, offering educational, fun activities, but equally giving the children the freedom to follow their own interests. The children are very well supported in their emotional and interpersonal development. James also provides detailed feedback after each session, as well as photo updates during the sessions. We couldn't ask for a better place for our child!
Susanne Austin
17:04 16 Feb 24
Amazing. Kids loved it and had to drag them home
Cat Kudish
16:46 16 Feb 24
Superb half term forest school session, my two boys (8 & 5) absolutely loved it. There were tears at home time, the littlest didn't want to leave! A really varied day with a wonderful team in a great setting.
Zoe Pepper
11:48 15 Feb 24
My son has the best time when he goes to Ambleford. He loves animals and the outdoors, so this place is perfect! He learns skills that he otherwise may not at school. James and his team are the best! The updates on Class Dojo are fab to see throughout the day and what they’re up to. Thank you Ambleford, we’ll be back again soon.
Debs C
20:19 14 Feb 24
My son (8) really loved it. Very friendly place.
Catherine Gallagher
17:12 14 Feb 24
Jasmine's 3rd time at Ambleford, she LOVES it! So good for building her confidence and character... and so it would seem, the rainier and muddier the better!
Milly Potter
21:59 13 Feb 24
My children (5yo boy and 8yo girl) both had the most wonderful day. They were greeted so warmly and immediately made to feel at home.Their day sounded like so much fun and when I collected them they were tired, muddy and happy. They’re already looking forward to another day out at the forest!
Laura Finan
22:18 17 Dec 23
The Father Christmas experience was the best one I’ve ever been to. My daughter said he was definitely the real Father Christmas as he knew their names and all about them, as well as having a real beard. My 20 month old was a little unsure to start with, but because we had such a good long time with Father Christmas, he soon came around. The magic bells and the super soft bunnies are lovely. Thank you so much. We will definitely be back next year!
Rachelle Caton
19:03 25 Oct 23
An amazing forest school in a beautiful setting, with very welcoming staff! Thank you for a great half term camp that my daughter attended, she was a little apprehensive initially for her first visit, she settled really quickly when Emily took her under her wing! She can’t wait to go back to the next session, thank you! Highly recommended.
Sarah Power
16:22 07 Aug 23
A brilliant ninth birthday party for our daughter with the archery, private mud hut with fire pit to toast marshmallows, a throne, hand made natural crown and more causing much excitement amongst her friends. Just the more unique and lively party atmosphere we were looking for!
Book Nook
09:09 17 Jun 22
My daughter did 2 sessions in the Easter holidays and is STILL talking about it. James and Emily listen to the interests of the children and follow their lead despite planned activities. Their days were full of adventures. My usually shy 5 year old was beaming and not in a hurry to leave by home time. We hope to start more regular sessions in the Autumn.
Dave Thompson
16:37 11 Apr 22
My daughter and friend had such a wonderful day at Ambleford's Easter camp! They tried their hands at so many new skills and enjoyed den building, cake baking on the campfire, feeding the goats, planting and an Easter egg hunt! What a day - thanks so much to James and Emily. We'll be back!
Rebecca Wilson
11:23 09 Apr 22
My 5 year old had an amazing time at the Easter holiday club forest school. She enjoyed baking a cake on the fire and collecting eggs from the chickens as well as building and playing on an obstacle course. Thank you James & Emily for all the efforts put in to making Ambleford Farm such a success!
Charlotte Shears
18:58 09 Jan 22
Great experience for my 5 year old. Started the course not a fan of the outdoors, James built her confidence and will now quite happily be crawling through bushes and hunting for the muddiest area for the best things to build a den with!
sophie moss
18:16 09 Jan 22
Wonderful experience foe my 5 yr old. He did a 6 week course. James was friendly, instructive and ensure the children were safe at all times. A beautiful place to make fun childhood memories.

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