In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with social worker Jessica Homicki to explore anxiety in primary school-aged children and its impact on families. Jessica, who leads Uniting's School Attendance Support Program in Southern Melbourne, brings over ten years of experience working with families affected by trauma and disadvantage.
Together, they discuss:

How anxiety presents differently in children aged 5-12
The connection between early childhood experiences, attachment, and anxiety
Why avoidance becomes such a significant part of the anxiety picture
Practical strategies for parents who are struggling with school refusal or "school can't"
The importance of self-care for parents and why putting on your own oxygen mask first isn't selfish
Gaps in mental health services for primary-aged children
The Stop, Pause, Play framework for responding to your child's distress
Small, achievable steps for managing bedtime anxiety and sleep routines

Jessica also shares valuable insights about the Window of Tolerance and provides guidance on accessing support through parenting programs like Tuning Into Kids, Bringing Up Great Kids, and Circle of Security.


This conversation is essential listening for any parent navigating childhood anxiety, particularly in the wake of COVID-19's lasting impact on our children's emotional wellbeing.

Links Mentioned:
- Circle of Security
https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security#

- Tuning in to Kids and Teens
https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/

- Bringing up Great Kids and Parenting Adolescents
http://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/

In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with social worker Jessica Homicki to explore anxiety in primary school-aged children and its impact on families. Jessica, who leads Uniting's School Attendance Support Program in Southern Melbourne, brings over ten years of experience working with families affected by trauma and disadvantage. Together, they discuss: How anxiety presents differently in children aged 5-12 The connection between early childhood experiences, attachment, and anxiety Why avoidance becomes such a significant part of the anxiety picture Practical strategies for parents who are struggling with school refusal or "school can't" The importance of self-care for parents and why putting on your own oxygen mask first isn't selfish Gaps in mental health services for primary-aged children The Stop, Pause, Play framework for responding to your child's distress Small, achievable steps for managing bedtime anxiety and sleep routines Jessica also shares valuable insights about the Window of Tolerance and provides guidance on accessing support through parenting programs like Tuning Into Kids, Bringing Up Great Kids, and Circle of Security.
 This conversation is essential listening for any parent navigating childhood anxiety, particularly in the wake of COVID-19's lasting impact on our children's emotional wellbeing. Links Mentioned: - Circle of Security <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security%23&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1764035073818273&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oZbhadX1eLQKDB1cuyFii" data-rawhref="https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security#">https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security#</a> - Tuning in to Kids and Teens <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1764035073818456&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Cb5eFlCfPZ9uQfXdiPNup" data-rawhref="https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/">https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/</a> - Bringing up Great Kids and Parenting Adolescents <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1764035073818531&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uD_vMQBJbM76dx4LYsPy4" data-rawhref="http://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/">http://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/</a>

Our minds didn’t evolve for modern day life. It’s natural to feel anxious, but sometimes we can get stuck in a cycle of anxiety that gets in the way of, well, everything. If you’re looking for a compassionate place to learn how to dial anxiety down and get on with creating a happier life with more calm, contentment, meaning and purpose, this is the podcast for you.
Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to help you rise to the challenge of being human with the tools you need to thrive.


For education and entertainment purposes only.

Our minds didn’t evolve for modern day life. It’s natural to feel anxious, but sometimes we can get stuck in a cycle of anxiety that gets in the way of, well, everything. If you’re looking for a compassionate place to learn how to dial anxiety down and get on with creating a happier life with more calm, contentment, meaning and purpose, this is the podcast for you. Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to help you rise to the challenge of being human with the tools you need to thrive.
 For education and entertainment purposes only.

This is ‘Well, hello anxiety’, a podcast where we end the struggle with anxiety and build our toolkit of practical skills to thrive.

Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

Anxiety happens. What happens next is what matters most. But where to start? And then what? And what if it's someone else you're trying to help? 'Well, hello anxiety' is the podcast where you'll learn answers to all of these questions and so much more. You'll finally see anxiety for what it really is, understand it, learn what the science says about settling it right down and how to help others as well. If you're looking for genuinely helpful, compassionate anxiety help, for yourself, or someone you care about, this is the podcast for you. An award-winning podcast Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to finally get anxiety out of the way so you can live the life that's waiting for you.



For education and entertainment purposes only.

Anxiety happens. What happens next is what matters most. But where to start? And then what? And what if it's someone else you're trying to help? 'Well, hello anxiety' is the podcast where you'll learn answers to all of these questions and so much more. You'll finally see anxiety for what it really is, understand it, learn what the science says about settling it right down and how to help others as well. If you're looking for genuinely helpful, compassionate anxiety help, for yourself, or someone you care about, this is the podcast for you. An award-winning podcast Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to finally get anxiety out of the way so you can live the life that's waiting for you.
 
For education and entertainment purposes only.

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