The Huddle Wisdom Blog: For Parents of Anxious & Sensitive Kids

I know why kids are struggling more than ever with anxiety. Is it arrogance to say such things? Maybe... but hear me out.

Punch line first.

It's our modern world—a mix of digital overload, academic pressure, and societal expectations. But there's good news.

Elaboration now.

I think I know the answer. [Insert Hubris Here].

The Shifting Sands of Religion

First, let's talk about the decline of traditional religion. Before you get excited, I'm not saying this is the reason why we're not doing well. This shift isn't inherently good or bad; in my view, the decline is simply a reflection of the times. A function of detachable attachment. What? Stick with me.

With globalisation, scientific advancements, and a cultural move towards individualism, many young people are stepping away from organised religion. I think young people are less sticky these days. 

So, where are kids finding their sense of purpose these days? Let's break it down:

1. Social and Environm...

As promised; here are the questions from EP106 of the Parenting with Huddle Wisdom Podcast

1. Questions to Explore the Origins of Anxiety:
a. "When did you first notice feeling worried or anxious?"
b. "Can you remember a time when you didn't feel anxious? What was different then?"
c. "Has anything changed recently in your life that might be making you feel more worried?"

2. Questions to Understand Physical Sensations:
a. "When you feel anxious, what does it feel like in your body?"
b. "Where in your body do you feel the anxiety the most?"
c. "If your anxiety had a color or shape, what would it look like?"

3. Questions to Identify Triggers:
a. "What kinds of situations make you feel the most anxious?"
b. "Is there a particular time of day when you tend to feel more anxious?"
c. "Do you notice any thoughts that pop into your head when you start feeling anxious?"

4. Questions to Explore Coping Mechanisms:
a. "What helps you feel better when you're feeling anxious?"
b. "Is there som...

Helping Hard-to-Engage Kids Talk About Anxiety (and Why the Right Question Might Surprise You)

Anxiety among children has nearly doubled in recent years. According to a recent meta-analysis, around 20.5% of youth worldwide now experience anxiety symptoms. That’s roughly 1 in 5 kids.

Many of these children are hard to reach—not because they don’t want help, but because they don’t yet know how to talk about what’s going on inside.

So how do we support kids who shut down, resist, or retreat into silence?

Let me share a story that illustrates what’s possible when we lead with empathy and curiosity—even if it means taking a bit of a risk.

The Unexpected Question That Changed Everything

I was working with a 15-year-old who played video games for 7 hours a day and put in just 2 hours of schoolwork. He didn’t want to be there. He said it plainly.

But instead of confronting him about school, I surprised him.
I asked:
👉 “Why aren’t you playing more video games?”

Yes, you read that rig...

A recent study published in PLOS ONE has attempted to answer the age-old question: "Does humour have a role in parenting?" ... it seems the answer is "yes, but..."

Most respondents reckon, humour can be an effective parenting tool, with more potential benefits than harm. Many even expressed interest in a course on how to use humour in parenting. *ahem. empathy and timing are key...I wonder where one can learn more about that 🤔 

However, before we all rush off to enrol in stand-up comedy classes, we must consider a few limitations of this study. The sample size was relatively small (312 respondents) and predominantly male (63.6%) and white (76.6%). One might suggest that the researchers were studying the "dad joke" phenomenon rather than humour in parenting as a whole.

Moreover, the study relies heavily on self-reporting and retrospective assessments. Memory can be a fickle friend, especially when it comes to childhood experiences. It's possible that those who had positive r...

Today, after dropping off my children at school, I found myself reflecting on an incident. A young girl had fallen and grazed her knee. As she cried, seemingly more from embarrassment than pain, an adult comforted her, praising her bravery and encouraging her to continue. While the adult’s intentions were undoubtedly good, I pondered how the approach could have been slightly different.

 I firmly believe that as adults, our role is to prepare children for life’s journey, not to smooth their path. This concept is beautifully articulated in Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt’s book ‘The Coddling of the American Mind’. However, it’s essential to recognise that everyone experiences pain. It’s not about dwelling in discomfort or letting it hinder us, but rather acknowledging our children’s feelings when they’re hurt, then offering reassurance and guidance for what lies ahead.

This brings me to the topic I wish to discuss today: decision-making in the...