Student Wellbeing
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, but for some children, it can become overwhelming and start to impact their daily life, learning, and relationships. In primary school, anxiety may not always appear as obvious worry, it can look like reluctance to come to school, trouble focusing, avoiding certain tasks, frequent physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, or emotional outbursts.
Last week, our principal team had the opportunity to attend the Victorian State Principal Conference, where we heard from Dr Jodi Richardson, a nationally recognised leader in anxiety, mental health and wellbeing education. Dr Richardson reminded us that anxiety is not something to fear or eliminate, but rather an experience to understand and navigate. She shared practical strategies to help both educators and families support children in building resilience and managing anxious thoughts.
One of her key messages was the importance of “doing the thing that makes you anxious while feeling anxious.” Avoiding what we fear reinforces the anxiety. With the right support, children can learn that they are capable of facing their fears and coming out stronger.
How You Can Help at Home
Here are some researched backed strategies which align with Dr Richardson’s message that can support children to manage anxiety and build confidence:
- Acknowledge and Validate Feelings
Let your child know their feelings are real and okay. Phrases like, “It’s normal to feel nervous,” or “I understand this is hard for you,” can go a long way in helping children feel supported.
- Encourage Brave Behaviour - Acting with Courage
Instead of avoiding the things that make your child anxious, support them to take small, manageable steps toward facing their fears. Celebrate effort, not just success, each step builds confidence.
- Be a Calm and Reassuring Role Model
Children take emotional cues from adults. By staying calm and confident, you show them that they are safe and capable. You might say, “I believe in you. Let’s take it one step at a time.”
- Create Predictable Routines
A consistent daily routine, especially in the mornings, can help reduce uncertainty and anxiety. Visual schedules or simple checklists can give children a sense of control and independence.
- Practise Coping Tools Together
Teach and model calming strategies such as:
- Deep breathing (e.g., “smell the flower, blow out the candle”)
- Positive self-talk (“I can do hard things”)
- Mindfulness or grounding techniques (e.g., 5-4-3-2-1 sensory check-in)
- Calming activities like colouring, music, or reading
When to Seek Extra Support
If anxiety is persistent and significantly interfering with your child’s learning, friendships, or wellbeing, it may be helpful to speak with your GP or a child psychologist. Early support helps children develop the skills they need to manage anxiety now and into the future.
Throughout Term 3, we will be sharing a range of strategies and techniques through our newsletter that may help students find the courage to move forward despite their anxieties. These practical ideas can be used at home and in the classroom to build emotional resilience and support students in developing confidence when facing everyday challenges.
We are committed to creating a school environment where all students feel safe, connected, and supported. If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety or wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or our wellbeing team. We’re here to help.
The journey through anxiety is not about eliminating it, it’s about helping children find the courage and tools to move forward in spite of it.
Janine Hough
janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au
Brad Ryan
bradley.ryan@education.vic.gov.au
