A-Z of Parenting

A is for ANXIETY

Anxiety shows up in all kinds of ways — tummy aches, perfectionism, clinginess, shutdowns, anger. It’s not always obvious, but it’s often loud underneath the surface.

When we name anxiety without fear — “That sounds like worry showing up” — we give it less power. When we normalise it — “Everyone feels anxious sometimes, even grown-ups” — we make it feel safer. And when we help our children navigate it with simple tools, routines, and connection, they learn they are stronger than the worry in their head.

The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety — it’s to build brave strategies to move through it together.

💬 Brave Lion Tip:

Try: “It’s okay to feel worried. Let’s figure out what it is trying to tell us.”

🦁 Brave Micro-Change:

Create a “worry plan” together-a simple 3 step strategy like:

1. Name the worry

2. Breathe together

3. Choose a small brave action

Repeat it often. This becomes a lifeline in anxious moments.

D is for DYSREGULATION

When a child is dysregulated, they’re not giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time. Their nervous system is overwhelmed, their brain is in survival mode, and they may be unable to access logic, language, or reason.

What looks like defiance — yelling, slamming, ignoring, or melting down — is often a signal that your child doesn’t feel safe in that moment. And when we meet distress with punishment or pressure, we only deepen the disconnect.

But when we meet it with presence, calm, and compassion, we show them what it means to co-regulate — and that’s how resilience grows.

💬 Brave Lion Tip:

Instead of asking “How do I stop this behaviour?”

Try asking: “What’s underneath this behaviour?”

Even a whisper of curiosity can shift your whole response.

🦁 Brave Micro-Change:

Next time your child feels out of control, take a breath and remind yourself: “My calm can help regulate their storm.” You don’t need to fix it — just be the safe anchor they can return to.

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"Connect First" Conversation Starters:

Building Trust Before Teaching

Before the Storm: Preventative Connection Prompts

🦁 "Tell me something that made you smile today."

🦁 "What was the hardest part of your day?"

🦁 "If your feelings had colours right now, what colours would they be?"

In the Moment: When Emotions Run High

🦁 "It looks like something is really hard right now."

🦁 "I'm here. Let's take a breath together."

🦁 "You don't have to go through this alone."

After the Moment: Gentle Correction with Connection

🦁 "Let's talk about what happened when you're ready."

🦁 "Everyone makes mistakes. What do you think we can try next time?"

🦁 "How can I support you to feel braver next time?"

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Moving from Stress to connection and courage

Understanding Your Child

🦁 Every child learns, thinks and reacts differently. Take time to observe their strengths and triggers.

🦁 Ask questions like "What does my child need right now to feel safe and supported?"

Positive Communication

🦁 Use clear, calm language. Focus on encouragement rather than criticism

🦁 Example: Instead of "Stop doing that!" try, "I see you're frustrated - lets find a way to solve this together."

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