Understanding and tackling childhood anxiety: Insights from the Life Ed Podcast

Wednesday, January 2025

In our latest episode of the Life Ed podcast, we dive into a topic that’s close to many parents’ hearts—childhood anxiety.

We’re joined by two of Australia’s top psychologists, Dr. Judith Locke and Dr. Danielle Einstein, who share their expertise and practical tips for supporting kids’ mental health.

Dr. Locke and Dr. Einstein are co-authors of the new book Raising Anxiety: Why our good intentions are backfiring on children (and how to fix it). Together, they unpack what is driving the rise in childhood anxiety and how parents can make a difference.

What we cover in this episode:

How parenting styles affect anxiety Helicopter parenting and its impact

Dr. Locke explains how parenting styles, like helicopter parenting, can contribute to anxiety in kids. She says when parents step in too often to protect their children from challenges, it can unintentionally stop them from building independence and resilience. While it’s natural to want to shield children from hurt, this approach can sometimes work against them.

Helpful tips:

Let kids take the lead: Encourage children to tackle challenges and learn from their mistakes—it’s how they grow problem-solving skills and resilience.
Find the sweet spot: Support and guide your kids without doing everything for them. Age-appropriate responsibilities are great for fostering confidence.

The pressure to succeed Why competition can fuel anxiety

Dr. Locke also touches on how our competitive world puts pressure on parents to help their kids excel academically and socially. This pressure can set children up for disappointment when life inevitably throws a curveball, leading to heightened anxiety.

Helpful tips:

Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate effort and small wins rather than chasing impossible standards.
Encourage a growth mindset: Help kids see challenges as chances to learn and grow.

The anxiety cycle When avoiding fear feels rewarding

Sometimes, kids can feel a sense of relief when their anxiety is accommodated—for example, skipping a swimming carnival or sports day. While it might ease their fear in the moment, avoiding challenges can make anxiety worse in the long run.

Helpful tips:

Take small steps: Use the “exposure stepladder” technique to help children gradually confront their fears. Start with small, manageable steps and build up to more challenging tasks.
Say yes to opportunities: Support children in facing their fears by preparing them for events and activities rather than allowing them to opt-out.

Building resilience and coping skills Skills kids need for life’s ups and downs

Instead of aiming to create the “perfect” childhood, Dr. Locke suggests parents focus on helping kids develop essential life skills like resilience, self-regulation, and responsibility. These abilities grow when kids face challenges and learn from their experiences.

Helpful tips:

Normalise feelings: Let kids know it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes—it’s a natural part of life.
Teach calm techniques: Show kids simple ways to manage stress, like deep breathing or positive self-talk.

The social media effect How digital life shapes young minds

Dr. Einstein highlights the growing influence of social media on kids’ mental health. From constant comparison to the pressure of maintaining a “perfect” online presence, social media can amplify feelings of insecurity and anxiety, especially for younger users.

Helpful tips:

Set boundaries together: Agree on screen time rules and make time for family activities without devices.
Be a role model: Show kids how to balance online and offline life by leading by example.

Talking about big feelings Why open conversations matter

Both Dr. Locke and Dr. Einstein stress the importance of creating a space where kids feel comfortable sharing how they’re feeling. Instead of directly asking children how they feel about upcoming challenges, parents can frame questions around the events themselves, allowing for a more relaxed dialogue that encourages problem-solving rather than fear.

Helpful tips:

Ask open questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings. For example, “What are you looking forward to at the school camp?” rather than “Are you nervous about the camp?”
Really Listen: Show empathy by giving your full attention when your child talks.

Managing your own worries Setting the tone for your kids

Parents face their own anxieties, especially about their children’s wellbeing. Dr. Locke encourages parents to find healthy ways to manage their stress and avoid turning to social media for reassurance—it often adds to the overwhelm.

Helpful tips:

Look after yourself: Prioritise self-care and reach out for support if you need it.
Limit the scroll: Be mindful of how social media affects your own mental health and seek reliable sources of information and support.

Takeaways from this episode

Parenting is full of challenges, but small changes can make a big difference. By encouraging independence, setting realistic expectations, and keeping communication open, you can help your child navigate life with confidence.

For more insights, check out the latest podcast, Generation Anxiety: Helping our kids thrive, with Dr Judith Locke & Dr Danielle Einstein. It’s packed with more tips and tools to support your family’s mental wellbeing.

Listen To The Life Ed Podcast Here