Sunday, October 05, 2025

Does your child melt down over small issues, retreat to their room, or lash out with hurtful words? These aren’t just “tantrums”, they’re signs of Distress Intolerance (DI), when anxiety shows up as an inability to cope with tough emotions. Left unaddressed, DI can carry into teen and adult years, impacting relationships, careers, and wellbeing. But there’s good news: Distress Tolerance is a skill that can be learned and strengthened. In this blog, Sue explains what distress intolerance really is, why it emerges in childhood, and how it affects kids and families. She then shares a simple 5-step method parents can start using today: accept emotions instead of suppressing them, notice how feelings show up in the body, get curious about what’s being triggered, release pent-up energy through movement, and practise consistently until it becomes second nature. By modelling these steps first, parents can guide their child to build resilience, emotional competence, and a calmer, more connected life.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

As an anxious child I used to think there was something seriously wrong with me. In fact, for four decades I kept this a secret until I discovered there was nothing wrong with me at all. My parents would often ask…… “what’s wrong, now?" And I cringe as I recall myself saying this to my sensitive, big feeling daughter.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

I am incredibly honored and thrilled to share a heartwarming story of transformation, resilience, and artistic achievement that encapsulates the essence of what we do at U-Turn Anxiety. This journey is particularly special as it demonstrates the profound impact of empowering the parents who then become the drivers of the change they wish to see in their home.

Sunday, June 16, 2024

As parents, it's natural to want to protect our children from anything that causes them distress or pain. When our kids struggle with anxiety, our instinct is often to soothe them and try to make the anxious feelings go away. However, what if I told you that this approach can actually reinforce anxiety long-term?

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Having experienced anxiety personally as a child and parent, along with raising two anxious kids, working in the school system, and my own business supporting hundreds of anxious kids and their parents, I’ve seen and experienced what works and what doesn’t.

Monday, May 13, 2024

Sick of nagging your kids?

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Are you asking this powerful question when your child seems stuck? Parenting can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you see your child grappling with anxiety, anger, or distress. Your deepest wish is for them to feel strong and in charge of their emotions.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Are time outs truly effective in teaching children valuable lessons, or do they inadvertently hinder kids’ learning and emotional growth? Many parents and educators rely on time outs as a disciplinary tool, but does this method work for our kids? Join me as we explore time outs' effectiveness and discover alternative approaches that prioritise empathy and understanding.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

In the realm of children's anxiety, the concept of contagion takes on a profound significance. Children often catch anxiety from their environment, absorbing fears and uncertainties from parents, peers, and the world around them.

Sunday, March 03, 2024

Do you want to have more joy in your family? Today, I'm opening up about something very personal, something I've never shared quite like this before. I'm going to share a lesson that not only comes from our weekly parenting classes but also from my own journey.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Learn the new approach to handle and prevent meltdowns in children. Discover expert tips and insights on calming techniques, understanding triggers, and fostering a supportive parent-child relationship in the midst of challenging moments.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Parenting can sometimes feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, and if you have a child dealing with anxiety and big emotions, it can be even more challenging. You might often find yourself in situations where it feels like Groundhog Day, repeating the same scenarios, facing avoidance, meltdowns, resistance and those moments that leave you drained and wondering if there's a way out.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Hi, I'm Sue Stevenson, and I'm here to talk about a topic that's close to the hearts of many parents dealing with kids who have anxiety and big feelings. My mission, through my Calm Parents and Kids Hub, is to help parents like you navigate these challenges.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Empower your child with practical tips on decision-making and a transformative 'I Wonder' technique to start your journey towards a stronger family dynamic now.

Saturday, December 30, 2023

The simple way of creating boundaries that replaces conflict and strict rules with ‘agreed understandings’.