Child Psych Podcast Episode #174

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, Tania Johnson is joined by Poppy O’Neill, a best-selling, award-winning children’s author known for creating engaging books that help kids understand and manage big emotions. Her work focuses on children’s mental health, anxiety, emotional resilience, and practical tools that families can use in everyday life. In this conversation, they explore insights from Poppy’s book Shrink Your Worries, a child-friendly resource designed to help children build bravery and confidence.

Introduction to the Conversation

Childhood anxiety can show up in many ways, including stomach aches, avoidance, clinginess, and worries about social situations. For many parents, it can be difficult to know when to comfort a child, when to encourage them, and how to support them without pushing too hard.

This episode offers a warm, practical conversation about helping anxious children grow bravery in manageable ways. It highlights how parents can support emotional regulation, reduce avoidance, and help children feel understood while gently building confidence.

What We Discuss in This Episode

This podcast episode explores how anxiety affects a child’s body, thoughts, and behavior, especially in social situations. Tania and Poppy discuss the connection between the nervous system and physical symptoms like tummy aches, and why helping children regulate their bodies is often the first step before talking through anxious thoughts.

They also talk about parenting strategies for anxiety, including co-regulation, rhythmic movement, deep breathing, and how to take small brave steps instead of expecting children to “just get over it.” The conversation emphasizes that bravery is not the absence of fear. It is feeling scared and doing something anyway. Parents will also hear ideas for supporting self-compassion, externalizing worries, and helping children create new stories about themselves and their abilities.

What You’ll Learn

• How childhood anxiety can show up as physical symptoms like stomach aches and tension
• Why calming the body first is often more effective than jumping straight into problem-solving
• How to help kids take small brave steps without overwhelming them
• Ways to reduce avoidance while still being gentle and supportive
• Practical tools to build self-kindness, confidence, and emotional resilience in children

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and professionals supporting children with anxiety, social worries, or emotional regulation challenges. It is a valuable listen for anyone wanting practical, compassionate strategies to help children build bravery and manage big feelings in healthy ways.