School Anxiety: Getting Your Child Back to Their School Routine

School is a big part of kids’ lives. When anxiety gets in the way of a child going to or staying at school, this can be really hard on the whole family. In this episode we look at what’s behind school anxiety, when parents should reach out for help, tips for parents and caregivers to promote their own coping, and strategies to help get your child back in their regular school routine.

You can read the full transcript for the podcast here.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Kelty Webinar Series: School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges

Parent Peer Support for Families at the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

Guest bios

Brooke Finlayson

Parent

Brooke Finlayson is a public education advocate, a Victim Support Worker, and mom of 3 wonderful kids. Brooke is no stranger to dealing with school anxiety and challenges having her child attend school, as this is something she has supported her youngest child through during the last few years.

Dr. Alex DiGiacomo

Registered Psychologist

Dr. Alex DiGiacomo is a registered psychologist, a post-doctoral fellow in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, and an associate at Cornerstone Child & Family Psychology Clinic.

Where You Are | S4 EE11 | June 28, 2023

Words of Wisdom: Reflecting on 4 Seasons of Where You Are

Our hosts come together to reflect on episodes that have resonated with them. They discuss some of the gems that our guests have shared on the topics of sleep, feeding and eating, self-harm, anxiety, concurrent disorders, and more.

Where You Are | S4 EE10 | May 24, 2023

Supporting Your Child Who Has Experienced Trauma

Our hosts Bryn and Char speak with Lynne Godfrey (parent and grandparent) and Dr. Linda Uyeda to explore trauma, understand its impact on mental health and wellbeing, and share strategies parents and caregivers can use to support their child who has experienced trauma.

Where You Are | S4 EE9 | May 3, 2023

Re-Release (ICYMI) - Eating Disorders: How Parents Can Play an Active Role in Recovery

In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder.

| S4 EE8 | April 12, 2023

No Shortage of Questions: Helping Kids Cope with Big Life Changes

In this minisode, we bring questions from BC families to a leading BC Children's Hospital child psychiatrist and family therapist on how to support kids through big life events and changes such as starting a new school, moving, etc. Listen for strategies that you can share with your child to help them cope with changes that come with big life events.

Where You Are | S4 EE7 | March 22, 2023

No Shortage of Questions: Supporting Your Child During Separation and Divorce

In this minisode, we bring questions on separation and divorce from BC families to a leading BC Children's Hospital child psychiatrist and family therapist. Hear tips to support both you and your child's well-being and strategies to cope during these hard times.

Where You Are | S4 EE6 | March 1, 2023

No Shortage of Questions: Talking With Your Child About Scary News and World Events

Our hosts bring questions from BC families who are looking to better understand how they can talk with their kids about scary news to Dr. Ashley Miller. Hear tips for starting conversations without inciting fear and strategies you can share with your child to help them cope with scary news.

Where You Are | S4 EE5 | February 8, 2023