Many parents and carers tell us that anxiety is one of the most challenging issues facing children and teens today.
It can show up in many ways, including school avoidance, big emotional reactions, physical symptoms, or a young person suddenly feeling unable to do things that once felt manageable.
When this happens, it’s natural to feel unsure about how best to respond and how to help without adding to the stress.
To support families with clarity and confidence, Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle has partnered with parenting expert and author Karen Young to create a dedicated video series on anxiety for parents and carers of children and adolescents.
The series is designed to help you better understand what anxiety really is, why it shows up for children and teens, and how to support them in ways that build calm, confidence and bravery over time.
Across the videos, Karen Young gently reframes anxiety as the body’s safety system doing its job. Parents are guided through the science behind anxious feelings, the everyday responses that can quietly grow anxiety and the small, steady actions that help children and adolescents feel safer and more capable.
The series also explores common challenges such as separation anxiety, school avoidance, morning struggles, and the moments when a child’s or teen’s anxiety begins to trigger a parent’s own.
Each video stands alone, allowing you to dip in and out based on what feels most relevant to your child’s or teen’s age, stage and current needs. Together, the series offers reassurance, practical language you can use at home, and realistic strategies to help children and adolescents navigate anxiety with compassion, steadiness and hope.
To view the video series and access additional resources and advice on anxiety, school avoidance and mental health, click on the link below:
Family Matters – Anxiety, school avoidance and mental health | Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle
