Parenting an Anxious Child (PAC) – for children under the age of 8
What is it?
Parenting An Anxious Child (PAC) is a 5 session in person group that supports primary aged children (aged 5-11 years) and their parents/carers to learn about anxiety, and to explorehelpful coping strategies that they can use to manage anxiety.
PAC teaches techniques based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) – a psychological therapy that focuses on the relationships between thoughts (cognitions), behaviours and feelings. CBT is proven to be effective for reducing anxiety.
What does the course involve?
PAC is made up of 3 Information Sessions for parents/carers, and 2 Putting Theory IntoPractice sessions. Children aged 8-11 years old will be invited to attend the Putting Theory Into Practice sessions alongside their parents. For children under 8 years old, the Putting Theory into Practice Session are for parents only and will take place online.
During these sessions, group facilitators will present information about anxiety and how you can support your child with this, using Powerpoint presentations, discussions, interactive activities, video and audio clips. The sessions are delivered by NHS professionals working within Child Psychology.
The Workbook
Parents/carers and children will each be sent a workbook that goes alongside the group. You and your child can use the workbooks to write about your experiences and find information to help you to practise some of the strategies that we will discuss. This workbook is for you to keep, and you do not need to show anyone what you write in it. We ask that you bring the workbook along to the group sessions.
Practising at Home
Each week, we will give you some activities to go away and try. These give you an opportunity to practise the strategies mentioned in the group sessions. We are always happy to hear how you have got on with these and if you have found anything tricky, but you do not have to share this if you don’t want to.
How will this help me?
Course Content
Understanding Anxiety (1.5 hours)
In person session for parents/carers: This session will explore what anxiety is, anxiety cycles that are unhelpful, and how to help break out of these.
Understanding my anxiety
For children aged 8 to 11 years: This 45 minute in person session is for parents/carers to attend alongside their children. There will be an introduction to what happens in our bodies when we feel anxious and breathing techniques.
For children aged 5 to 7 years: This 30 minute online session is just for parents/carers to attend. It will cover how to support your child to use the relaxation techniques introduced. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions also.
Emotion regulation (1.5 hours)
In person session for parents/carers: This in person session focuses on how parents can support children to make sense of their feelings and communicate these effectively. It will explore how to respond to worries and problem solve with your child.
Managing my anxiety
For children aged 8 to 11 years: This 45 minute in person session is for parents/carers to attend alongside their children. This session will introduce techniques to manage anxiety including relaxation, and will give you ideas that you can practise at home.
For children aged 5 to 7 years: This 30 minute online session is just for parents/carers to attend. We will discuss how you can support your child to use the anxiety management strategies introduced. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions also.
Positive parenting and building self esteem (1.5 hours)
In person session for parents/carers: This in person session will help parents/carers to understand their child’s behaviour and introduce ways to build positive relationships. It will introduce important parenting strategies such as using praise and rewards, limits and boundaries, and establishing routines. We will also discuss the importance of parental self care.
