This term many parents have reached out for advice on helping children manage worry, resilience, and everyday challenges. You’re not alone, these are common concerns. Here are some simple, research-based ideas and resources to support you at home.

Anxiety at School – Why It’s Complicated

Feeling worried is normal for kids, especially with schoolwork, friendships, or new situations. But sometimes worry can feel overwhelming.

Psychologist Lucy Foulkes reminds us that not all anxiety is a disorder. A bit of worry helps kids grow, it’s how they learn to be brave. But if children avoid everything that makes them nervous, their world can get smaller, not bigger.


What helps most is balance:

- Support children to face small challenges, step by step.

- Praise effort and “brave moments,” even if things don’t go perfectly.

- Keep routines predictable. This gives children a sense of safety.


Building Resilience – The Bounce-Back Factor

Resilience is a child’s ability to cope when things don’t go their way. Research shows that resilience isn’t something children are just “born with”, it’s something we can nurture.


Ways to build resilience at home:

- Strong relationships – caring adults who actively listen makes a huge difference.

- Playtime – unstructured play builds problem-solving and confidence.

- Small risks – let kids try, stumble, and try again.

- Healthy habits – good sleep, healthy food, and outdoor time all strengthen wellbeing.


Helpful Resources

- Melbourne Children’s Childhood Anxiety Family Guide – A free, evidence-based guide with practical strategies to support anxious children. mentalhealth.melbournechildrens.com

- Royal Far West – Resilient Kids ToolkitA free, easy-to-use guide with activities and strategies to strengthen emotional resilience, self-awareness, and connection. Royal Far West

- Maggie Dent – simple, parent-friendly resources on calming anxious kids: maggiedent.com


At BDC Primary, we know every child will face ups and downs. With loving support at home and school, plus the right balance of comfort and gentle challenge, our kids can grow into confident, resilient learners ready to take on the world.


Sarah Stokes
Head of Primary
Teaching Schools Hub Coordinator