ABSTRACT
This chapter is for parents who are raising a child who is experiencing anxiety and for professionals who are supporting parents. It includes ideas and strategies that can be used by parents at home. Living and sharing a home with an anxious child or young person can be extremely exhausting, frustrating and worrying. Separation anxiety is an example of anxiety which occurs when children are quite young. A panic attack is when the anxiety becomes so intense that the child/young person is unable to do anything until it subsides. The fear of further panic attacks can increase levels of anxiety and encourage avoidance and safety behaviours. Anxious children are often creative and intelligent, and their sensitivities can be powerful strengths when channelled effectively. Some children are distressed by the physical changes that take place when they are anxious. They may mistake these symptoms for being physically ill.
