Relax with Jo

06/09/2026

“They always do that !” Do you know what’s behind THAT.

OCD in children does not always look like handwashing or a need for things to be tidy.

It can look like asking the same question again and again because they need to feel certain. Checking a door, a school bag or homework repeatedly. Taking a long time to get dressed, leave the house or settle at bedtime because something has to feel “just right”.

Some children are carrying frightening thoughts they do not want and do not understand. They may worry they will cause harm, make a terrible mistake, or that something bad will happen if they do not complete a ritual. These thoughts can feel very real and very scary.

Reassurance, checking and repeating can bring a short moment of relief. Then the worry comes back, often stronger. This is not attention-seeking or bad behaviour. It is a child trying to cope with intense anxiety.

A calm response can make a difference. Listen without judgement. Avoid shaming them for their thoughts. Let them know that unwanted thoughts do not mean they want them to happen, and that support is available.

FREE OCD IN CHILDREN: SIGNS, THOUGHTS AND COMPULSIONS

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03/09/2026

There’s more going on !

Sometimes the thing that tips a child over can seem so small.

Shoes on.
Turn the screen off.
Time to leave.
A sibling says the wrong thing.

And we can find ourselves thinking, “Why has THAT caused such a big reaction?”

But that moment may only be the final drop.
They may have already been carrying sensory overload, tiredness, anxiety, demands, frustration, hunger or a need for connection. By the time we see the behaviour, their capacity may already be stretched to its limit.

Instead of focusing only on the final trigger, get curious about what has been filling their cup.
Because when we understand what led to the behaviour, we have a much better chance of knowing what they need from us.

And sometimes, the most helpful response isn't another consequence or another demand. It's helping to reduce the load.

ParentingSupport SensoryOverload

01/09/2026

”You’re be fine ! “

Might not be enough in the moment…

Validate how they feel in the moment.

Unsafe,Afraid, lonely, panicked , overwhelmed, heightened anxiety and maybe display low self belief.
Give them something that they can relate to when you tell them” it’s ok “. Do you know what strategy to use to get help them to get calmer and cope ?
Did you prep for these moments ?
Did you practise some scripts together ?
Saying Affirmations ?
Allowing the child to acknowledge and move towards accepting a change is on the horizon, separation, with gentle guidance and consistent support will help them to manage their feelings.

When a child is struggling with separation anxiety, the words we use really do matter.

It can be tempting to reassure with phrases like “you’re fine” or “there’s nothing to worry about” — but when a child’s nervous system is already telling them that separation feels unsafe, those words can leave them feeling even less understood.

Instead, we can acknowledge that it feels hard without reinforcing the fear, offer calm reassurance, and make what happens next as predictable as possible.

Small changes in language won’t make separation anxiety disappear overnight, but they can help a child feel safer, more understood and more able to cope with the goodbye.

📌 See my post yesterday for details of how to obtain my free Bitesize Guide to Separation Anxiety.

01/09/2026

Hello September 🌻🌞summers last hug of warmth.
Enjoy 🌻🎉🌞
Chapter 9/12

29/08/2026

Calm down wheel 🧠☹️freebie.
Get your own copy to share with your Child- click through to the main page for the download.
www.SocialWorkersToolbox.com

24/08/2026

Can’t handle not winning !

23/08/2026

School anxiety creeping in.. a few tips

Sometimes the hardest part of school anxiety is that other people can’t see what is happening underneath it.

A child may look reluctant, tearful, angry, clingy or “difficult” on the outside — while inside, their brain and body are responding as though something feels unsafe.

They are not choosing the anxiety.

They need adults who are curious about the why, who help make school feel more predictable and manageable, and who recognise the signs before anxiety develops into something much harder to shift.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is:

“I believe you. Let’s work out what is making this feel so hard.”

21/08/2026

Just got home from work to be greeted with this joyful bundle
❤️I love love love my new necklace 👏❤️ I’m excited for our little trips out. 🎸🎤
Thank-you Baz 💕and my lovely Family.
We won’t look back in anger 🫶🎤🎸on the 11th. Xx

16/08/2026

Big feelings for little folk 😡 😉🥺😤how you can support your child.

Why do so many children seem to hit 6–9 years and suddenly become more emotional?

Bigger reactions. More tears. Irritability. Clinginess. Anxiety. Frustration. Emotions that seem to go from 0–100.

For many children, part of the answer may be adrenarche — an early hormonal stage that begins before puberty and can influence mood, stress and emotional regulation.

It doesn’t mean every difficult moment is hormonal, and it certainly doesn’t mean children need fixing.

But understanding what may be happening inside their developing brain and body can completely change the way we respond.

Sometimes it isn’t “just behaviour”.

It’s development.

12/08/2026

What to do when a child is having a panic attack ⬇️

When a child is having a panic attack, they don’t need to be told to “calm down.” They need to know they are safe, believed and not alone.

Stay close. Speak softly. Keep your words simple: “This feels scary, but I’m here with you.” Help them notice the room around them—five things they can see, four things they can feel. If breathing helps, gently encourage slow breaths, but never force it.

Lower the noise, the lights and the pressure. Don’t rush them to explain. Don’t dismiss what they feel. A panic attack can be overwhelming, even when it isn’t dangerous—and calm support from an adult can make all the difference.

Afterwards, listen without judgement. Ask what helped. Make a plan together for next time. And if symptoms are severe, unusual, or you are unsure what is happening, seek medical advice or emergency help.

Every child deserves someone who says: “You’re not in trouble. You’re not alone. We’ll get through this together.”

FREE HELPING A CHILD DURING A PANIC ATTACK: PRINTABLE STEPS

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