Parents, carers or trusted adults play a key role in supporting their child with managing their anxiety.
They are essential to making their child feel safe and can help them understand emotions, model how to manage emotions and provide containment when emotions become overwhelming. By showing calm confidence, encouraging small steps toward challenges, and reducing avoidance, they can nurture their child’s sense of capability and resilience.
1. Computerised CBT for Parents
What is it?
An online program parents/carers can complete at their own pace, whenever and wherever it suits them – on their computer, tablet, or phone. Two options are available:
• Supporting an Anxious Child (ages 5–11)
• Supporting an Anxious Teen (ages 12–18)
How will it help?
These programs are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the recommended approach for managing anxiety. They are designed to support parents and carers in helping their child or teen cope with worry and anxiety, while also providing strategies to manage their own stress and anxious thoughts.
How do I access it?
https://cyplothian.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
Access Code: Lothian
2.Parent Anxiety Workshops
What is it & how will it help?
Six short, recorded information sessions based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the recommended treatment for managing anxiety and worries. These sessions are designed to help parents and carers understand what anxiety is and learn practical strategies to support their child in overcoming it.
How do I access it?
1. What is anxiety and when does it become a problem:
2. The CBT model of anxiety – What keeps anxiety going:
3. Supporting your child with anxiety:
4. Managing anxiety – Body Tools:
5. Managing anxiety – Thinking Tools:
6. Managing anxiety – Changing Behaviour:
3.Parent Anxiety Workbook: Supporting Your Child with Fears and Worries
This guide developed by CAMHS covers a range of topics around anxiety:
Part 1: Understanding and Talking About Worries
Part 2: Anxiety Traps
Part 3: Overcoming Anxiety
Part 4: Looking After Yourself
Access the whole guide here: https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2024/05/Parent-and-Carer-Anxiety-Workbook-CAMHS-V1.0.pdf
The guide is also available in Ukrainian, Romanian, Polish, Cantonese, Urdu, and Arabic. These versions can be accessed on the Lothian CAMHS website. https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/online-resources/
4.Relaxation Exercise for Children and Young People
This booklet was developed by CAMHS offers simple relaxation exercises parents/carers can try together with their child. Relaxation exercises can reduce physical tension, slow racing thoughts, and create a sense of safety for children and young people experiencing anxiety. Practicing these techniques together can help a child feel calmer in the moment but also builds coping skills they can use in everyday situations.
Access the booklet here: https://policyonline.nhslothian.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Relaxation-Exercises-CAMHS.pdf
The guide is also available in Ukrainian, Romanian, Polish, Cantonese, Urdu, and Arabic. These versions can be accessed on the Lothian CAMHS website. https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/online-resources/
IK & CM 16/12/25
- Resources for Parents and Carers: Anxiety & Worry – Lothian CAMHS Information Sheet
Available in English, Ukrainian, Romanian, Polish Cantonese, Urdu and Arabic
Other Languages: You can find translated resources on the NHS Lothian CAMHS website. Scroll down to‘Self-Help’ → ‘Anxiety’: https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/online-resources/#
- NHS Lothian CAMHS Online Resources: https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/online-resources/#
Scroll down to ‘Self-Help’ → ‘Anxiety’
