As a qualified teacher, mum, parenting coach and all-round Early Years expert, Sophie has a wealth of practical, real life experience to share with parents.
As a mum of two and a registered GP, Stephanie has seen more than her fair share of little ones! She has lots of practical tips and professional know-how on hand to help parents.
Katie is a mum of one, and also our resident Nutritionist. Bringing over 12 years’ experience, and a passion for infant weaning and nutrition to our Expert Panel.
Be aware that anxiety can present itself in lots of different ways – and it can be physical as well as emotional.
General Practitioner Dr Stephanie Ooi suggests:
Keeping an eye out for any deviation from your child’s normal behaviour. The gut/brain axis is closely linked; so, they might complain of tummy aches, or start having difficulty sleeping. They might start wetting themselves even though they’re potty trained. They could also become tearful, a bit more withdrawn, or, equally, they might start a new behaviour like hitting.
General Practitioner Dr Stephanie Ooi explains:
Are there any big changes in their life that might be affecting them? Have they just started going to school, or has a new sibling come along?
Find a good time to sit down with your little one and explain that you can see they’re feeling upset or frustrated. You can try asking them if there’s something they’re worried about. Some children won’t be able to express what’s wrong, in which case you could suggest drawing together.
General Practitioner Dr Stephanie Ooi says:
You can try drawing how you’re feeling together. You could draw a happy face or even a sad face, and they might reflect and do the same thing. It’s about giving them the space to express how they feel.
When your little one is facing new experiences, like nursery, it can help to gradually expose them to it to build familiarity. Most nurseries will offer settling-in sessions where a parent can go along with their child for a little while. You can then extend the length of time you stay with them until they’re comfortable for a whole session without you.
Most nurseries will offer settling-in sessions, where a parent can go along with their child and stay for a little while, before leaving them. You can then gradually reduce the amount of time you stay with them, until they’re comfortable attending a whole session without you.
Also, when moving towards switching from nursery/pre-school to primary school, you can look at increasing their hours, so they gradually get used to being away from home for longer periods of time.
If there’s a big event like a house move coming up, talk your child through it in the weeks leading up to it. It might not be enough to simply tell them you’re moving house. You can help them prepare by explaining that you will be packing everything up and a removal van will come and take it all to the new house.
Family events like weddings can be discussed beforehand, too, so your little one knows they’re going to be in a room with lots of other people, and there will be loud music and dancing. It can be overwhelming for children if they are thrust into a situation they don’t understand and don’t feel prepared for.
Early Years Child Development Specialist Sophie Pickles says:
Talking is a great way of mitigating anxiety before it hits. You prepare your child for changes and transitions like starting school or nursery by talking to them. Don’t assume your child is too young to talk – because you can talk to your child from any age, and they will understand you at varying levels.
Give your child time and their own space to warm up to new experiences.
Early Years Child Development Specialist Sophie Pickles says:
Don’t force independence, as it will have the opposite effect, and they’ll likely become more clingy. If you want to get your child ready for school and nursery, or just general life and independence, the best thing you can do is to give them the attention they desire, so that they feel supported in exploring new experiences.
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