21/08/2026
💜 Parent & Carer Tip: Supporting a Child or Young Person When They Feel Panicky 💜
Seeing your child feel overwhelmed or panicky can be difficult. In those moments, one of the most helpful things you can do is stay calm and provide reassurance. Young people often look to trusted adults for cues that they are safe.
✨ Try these simple steps:
💜 Stay with them and remain calm
A calm presence can help a child feel safer when anxiety feels overwhelming.
🌬️ Encourage slow, steady breaths
Breathing together can help them focus on the present moment and reduce the intensity of physical symptoms.
👂 Listen without judgement
Allow them to talk about how they're feeling without rushing to solve the problem straight away. Feeling heard can be reassuring.
🧸 Use grounding techniques
Encourage them to notice things they can see, hear, feel or touch around them to help bring their attention back to the present.
❤️ Remind them that feelings pass
Although anxiety can feel frightening, it won't last forever. Reassure them that they are safe and that you're there to support them.
🌱 Support them to face their fears, step by step
It can be tempting to avoid situations that cause anxiety, but avoidance can make worries feel bigger over time. When they're ready, gently encourage and support your child to take small, manageable steps towards the situation they fear. This helps build confidence and shows them they can cope, even when they feel anxious.
Remember: worry is a normal human emotion, and all children and young people experience it from time to time. What matters is helping them feel supported, understood, and confident that they can manage difficult feelings when they arise
🔗 For more advice and support for parents and carers: YoungMinds Anxiety Guide [youngminds.org.uk]
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