Autumn Anxiety: how parents and children can cope with October Stress and thrive this season
Cognitive behavioural therapist share's tips to spot early anxiety in children and offer practical steps to combat it.
Autumn can bring stress for both children and parents as routines settle into full swing. According to CBT specialist Alice O’Brien, anxiety is the body’s natural threat detection system.
While it helps us prepare for challenges, it can also overwhelm children as they face the pressures of school, homework, and new environments. Anxiety may show up as school refusal, constant fear, or even physical complaints such as headaches and stomach aches.
O’Brien explains that spotting the signs are crucial to dealing with the problem. While some level of anxiety is normal in the autumn months, especially as children adjust to change, ongoing patterns of worry may need extra support.
Parents should watch for avoidance behaviours, such as refusing to attend activities or withdrawing from friends, as these can reinforce anxiety over time.
Alice encourages parents to listen carefully, acknowledge their child’s worries, and avoid dismissing their feelings. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” O’Brien reminds, urging parents to also protect their own wellbeing. Setting aside even one evening a week for personal downtime can help adults recharge and better support their families.
Strategies include setting realistic daily goals, creating predictable routines, and ensuring children have opportunities for relaxation as well as learning.
Rewards, such as a family hot chocolate at the weekend, can motivate children and remind them that life is not “all school, all the time.” Incorporating movement, outdoor time, or mindfulness exercises can also reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Ultimately, small adjustments make a big difference. By recognising the early signs of anxiety and taking proactive steps, parents can guide children through Autumn's challenges while safeguarding the mental health of the entire family.