You know the scene: You tell your child it’s time to turn off the tablet, and suddenly, the sky is falling. Tears, screaming, maybe even a full-body flop onto the floor. Your sweet child just giggling at a silly YouTube video is now thrashing around like you’ve taken away their oxygen.

You’ve done everything right - kindness, listening, connection. You’ve embraced gentle parenting, believing it’s the key to raising a confident, emotionally healthy child. But now your child clings to you, paralyzed by fear, and you wonder: is my well-intentioned approach unintentionally making their anxiety worse?

It’s 7:30 AM, and chaos reigns in your kitchen. The clock is ticking. You’re late. Your child is wailing, tears streaming down their face because their favorite cereal is gone. You didn’t even know “the dinosaur cereal” was that important until now.

Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a kaleidoscope of emotions - love, frustration, pride, and sometimes, helplessness. We’ve been told to default to a “calm and collected” response when a child spirals into a meltdown, believing it’s the antidote to chaos, but here’s the uncomfortable truth: it often backfires. Why? Because in those moments of emotional turmoil, your child can’t hear reason. They’re not being "difficult" but in distress.

Sarah is the mother of 9-year-old Ethan, who was struggling with defiant behavior for months. Years? Forever? Sarah couldn’t even remember anymore. She lived in a fog. Every morning, Ethan began the day by refusing to get ready for school, throwing tantrums and hiding in his room.

"Stay calm. Take deep breaths." If you have a sensitive child who frequently has intense anxiety spirals, you’ve heard all this advice a million times. However, the more calm you are, the more hysterical your child gets. I’ve been there – as both the parent, and the child. It is not a positive experience for anyone. So let’s change the script.

Your child's bright, creative spirit used to light up the room. But lately, that light seems dimmed by a dark cloud of anxiety. You see their internal struggle unfold daily through meltdowns, school refusal, and overwhelming fears. Behind their worried eyes lies a sensitive soul yearning to break free, and as their parent, watching their pain is almost unbearable.

Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, "Why are you crying? I'll give you something to cry about!" These words, often said in frustration, may seem harmless in the moment but can have lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being.

Have you ever wondered why your child seems to resist school more and more? The anxiety, the reluctance to get ready in the morning, the excuses not to go—it’s enough to make any parent worry. What if it’s not just a phase? What if something deeper is at play?

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.

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.

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?

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.

Sick of nagging your kids?

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.

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.