How do I know if my child's worry is typical or something more?

Some worry is a normal part of development, especially around new experiences or separation. We cover signs that suggest it might be more persistent or intense than typical, and when speaking with your GP or a relevant professional would be a sensible next step.

Is this workshop a substitute for professional support?

No, this is an educational session focused on everyday strategies, not an assessment or treatment for anxiety. If you have ongoing concerns about your child, this session can complement professional support but should not replace it.

My child gets anxious specifically about separation. Is that covered?

Yes, separation-related worry is one of the most common concerns parents raise, and we cover preparation strategies specifically for drop-offs and time apart. The change and separation workshop also goes further into bigger transitions if that is more relevant to your situation.

Will this help with physical symptoms like tummy aches before school?

We discuss how anxiety often shows up physically in young children, including stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause, and how routine and preparation can ease these. Persistent physical symptoms should still be checked by a GP to rule out other causes.

Can I attend if my child has already been referred to a specialist?

Yes, many parents attend alongside working with a specialist, as this session offers practical day-to-day strategies rather than clinical intervention. It can sit comfortably alongside any professional support you are already receiving.

For parents

Supporting an Anxious Child

Anxiety in young children does not always look like worry, it can show up as clinginess, physical complaints, avoidance or sudden changes in behaviour. This workshop helps you recognise those signs and understand what tends to sit behind them. You will learn how predictable routines, thoughtful preparation and simple coping tools can help an anxious child feel steadier, without needing to eliminate every source of uncertainty in their life.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents and carers of children aged three to eight who notice signs of worry or anxiety and want practical ways to support them day to day.

What we cover in the hour

Common signs of anxiety in young children, including those that are easy to miss.
How predictable routines create a sense of safety without becoming rigid.
Preparing a child in advance for changes, transitions or new experiences.
Simple, child-friendly coping tools they can use themselves.
How to respond supportively without accidentally reinforcing avoidance.
When worry crosses from typical to something that may need extra support.

What you'll leave with

A checklist of common but often overlooked signs of childhood anxiety.
A simple framework for preparing a child for upcoming changes.
Two coping tools a young child can learn to use independently.
Language to use that acknowledges worry without amplifying it.
A take-home booklet with preparation scripts for common anxious situations.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes a signs-of-anxiety checklist, preparation scripts for transitions such as new activities or appointments, and simple coping tool cards for children.

This workshop connects to the Aistear theme of Wellbeing and Síolta Standard 1 (Rights of the Child), affirming a child's right to feel safe, secure and supported in managing difficult emotions.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Supporting an Anxious Child
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

How do I know if my child's worry is typical or something more?: Some worry is a normal part of development, especially around new experiences or separation. We cover signs that suggest it might be more persistent or intense than typical, and when speaking with your GP or a relevant professional would be a sensible next step.
Is this workshop a substitute for professional support?: No, this is an educational session focused on everyday strategies, not an assessment or treatment for anxiety. If you have ongoing concerns about your child, this session can complement professional support but should not replace it.
My child gets anxious specifically about separation. Is that covered?: Yes, separation-related worry is one of the most common concerns parents raise, and we cover preparation strategies specifically for drop-offs and time apart. The change and separation workshop also goes further into bigger transitions if that is more relevant to your situation.
Will this help with physical symptoms like tummy aches before school?: We discuss how anxiety often shows up physically in young children, including stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause, and how routine and preparation can ease these. Persistent physical symptoms should still be checked by a GP to rule out other causes.
Can I attend if my child has already been referred to a specialist?: Yes, many parents attend alongside working with a specialist, as this session offers practical day-to-day strategies rather than clinical intervention. It can sit comfortably alongside any professional support you are already receiving.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Emotional regulation · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

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Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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