The Fathering Project
Weekly Dad Tips
All children and young people will experience anxiety at some stage. It's a natural reaction our bodies have to a challenging or stressful event, or when we are pushed outside our comfort zone.
Starting school can be a time of anxiety for children and young people, especially if they are starting school for the first time, changing schools, or transitioning into high school.
It is a normal response for your children to feel some degree of anxiety at this time, but it should start to decrease as they settle in for the year.
If you find it’s not subsiding, we encourage you to speak to your GP to develop a plan to treat and manage your child’s individual situation.
Top Tips
- Keep a routine - Try to keep a calm structure and regular routine in your child's daily life. A good night's sleep is also really important.
- Be actively involved - Showing a real interest in their daily life helps them feel secure and also makes it easier for you to spot when they need more support.
- Be there to listen - Regularly check in to see how they are going, so they get used to talking about their feelings and know you will always listen and support.
Dad joke of the week
"My daughter asked me if I had seen the dog bowl. I said no, I didn't even know he could..."