Making Sense of It All: Anxiety, Parenting, and What Actually Helps

Real world reflections from the clinic, the home, and everywhere in between. For parents navigating anxiety and big emotions in their kids.

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Beyond “Just Be Consistent”: Real-Life Strategies for Parenting Anxious Kids

mental model Aug 13, 2025

You’ve probably heard the advice before.

“Stay calm.”
“Be consistent.”

It sounds so simple… until you’re in the middle of your child’s emotional storm.

These kinds of tips aren’t incorrect. Staying calm is important, but it's not always possible because our own stress systems get activated. The fight/flight/fawn thing...BUT consistency of approach does matter in the end, which I'll elaborate upon, below. 

Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in the 2003 film "Anger Management" 

 

 

 

When things don't work out after we've tried to 'stay calm' or 'be consistent' whatever that means; it can leave us feeling deflated. Perhaps we feel we're not cut out for this.

Hark! perfection doesn’t exist in parenting. But connection does. And connection can survive the messy bits. But what does this mean Davin?

 

Ok. First understand these things.

  • You’ll have moments when you don’t “stay calm”. It's not realistic to be calm all the time, but we have to consistently show our kids how we get...

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Understanding Neurodiversity: A Parent’s Perspective

As parents, we often traverse the intricate landscape of child-rearing, equipped with a blend of instinct, generational wisdom, and expert guidance. However, when it comes to comprehending neurodiversity, it can feel as though we’re venturing into unknown terrain. This is primarily because neurodiversity, a relatively novel concept, challenges conventional perceptions of neurological development. It encourages us to shift our viewpoint from viewing certain neurological conditions as ‘disorders’ to recognising them as merely different ways of perceiving the world.

Understanding neurodiversity can be intimidating due to its extensive scope. It encompasses a broad range of neurological differences, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges. As parents, it’s vital for us to learn about these differences to support our children and advocate for them in various social environments like schools and local communities.

So, What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a concept

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