The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Parenting an anxious child has been, without question, the greatest challenge I’ve faced as a parent. Anxiety can show up in many different ways – fear, emotional overwhelm, explosive behaviour or seeming stubborn – all of which are often rooted in anxiety. Navigating these experiences requires enormous emotional resilience and understanding.
Through this journey, I have learned so much about compassion, patience and connection. Parents who work with me say they feel truly understood and never judged – and that means the world to me, because I know how isolating parenting a child with anxiety can feel. So while it’s challenging, my personal experience absolutely enhances my work at Parenting Anxious Children.
From a business perspective, one of my biggest challenges has been raising awareness of the benefits of parent-led anxiety techniques and treatment. Many families naturally assume their child must be the one to receive therapy or support, but empowering parents is often one of the most effective ways to support childhood anxiety – particularly for younger children or those unable to engage directly with therapy. Therapy for children absolutely has its place, but meaningful and lasting change often happens when parents are equipped with practical, evidence-based tools too.
For Better or Worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running Parenting Anxious Children feels like a dream. Being able to combine professional knowledge with lived experience to support other families is deeply meaningful to me. Supporting my daughter through anxiety has changed me both as a parent and as a person, and I feel honoured when families trust me to guide them in learning new tools for parenting an anxious child.
I also have to admit – marketing doesn’t come naturally to me! As a former teacher with no marketing or sales background, promoting myself can feel uncomfortable. I simply share from the heart and trust that families who need this support will find and trust me.
Hopes and Dreams: What next?
I have developed an amazing programme that helps transform how families understand and respond to childhood anxiety, creating calmer, more confident homes. Seeing the changes in the families I work with through Parenting Anxious Children motivates me every day.
My biggest hope is to continue spreading awareness of parent-led approaches to childhood anxiety – particularly the S.P.A.C.E. programme – as so many parents I meet have never heard of it. It truly can be life-changing, and I feel incredibly passionate about helping more families access effective support and watch their children thrive.
Visit www.parentinganxiouschildren.co.uk to find out more, and connect with them on Instagram.
