It’s 7.30am. Your child is crying because they don’t want to go to school – again. Their head or stomach hurts, they are refusing to eat and get ready. Or perhaps your teenager is refusing to get out of their room, they are angry, upset and already stressed about the day ahead at school. You try to reason, reassure or redirect but it is all met with more fear. You stay calm on the outside (mostly) but inside you are crumbling.
If this feels familiar, you are not alone.
Parenting a child with anxiety is one of the most emotionally demanding roles a parent can have. It’s not just about soothing your child – it’s about managing your own heartbreak, exhaustion, guilt, and fear while showing up day after day as their safe place.
Parents are bombarded in the news and articles through social media about the rising levels of anxiety in children and young people and how so many are missing school.
I have seen that this can not only add to parental anxiety but also can raise feelings such as:
• Guilt – “Did I cause this?”
• Helplessness – “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.”
• Isolation – “Other parents don’t seem to be going through this”
• Burnout – “I’m so tired but I can’t stop”
• Fear of the Future – “What if my child never grows out of this?”
All these are valid feelings but ones that may have had little opportunity to be acknowledged and supported through.
Parents naturally tend to prioritise the needs of their children, even more so when they are suffering. They might justify their lack of self-care and seeking emotional support due to lack of time or logistics but perhaps they might also have lost the capacity to see what their needs are? Parents deserve support too!
Therapy is one way to address these needs and emotions. A chance to talk through their experience and regain a sense of themselves whilst being listened to in a compassionate and empathic way. Whether it is through therapy, parent support groups, trusted friends or online communities, connection with others can provide the necessary support in this life challenge that will not only help parents but also their child.
We understand that parenting can be both deeply fulfilling and incredibly challenging. Our experienced therapists provide compassionate parenting support to help parents navigate anxiety, stress, and family dynamics. Whether you are struggling with your child’s wellbeing, managing your own emotions, or seeking to strengthen family relationships, we offer tailored counselling for individuals, couples, and families. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones find balance, connection, and confidence in your parenting journey.
Looking for support as a parent? Find practitioners who specialise in working with parents here: Practitioners Counselling and Psychology | The Eaves’