27 Apr 2026
Early signs of anxiety in primary school children drives new support for parents
PARENTS are being encouraged to seek early support for their children’s emotional wellbeing as growing evidence suggests many mental health difficulties begin during primary school years.
Rising numbers of children are being referred for support with anxiety, with experts warning that struggles seen in adolescence often have roots much earlier in childhood, according to recent analysis highlighted by the Children’s Commissioner.
In therapy, parents of primary school-aged children commonly report concerns around oppositional behaviour at home, difficulties with emotional regulation, and anxieties linked to friendships, separation or social situations.
While these challenges are often a normal part of development, they can become more difficult to manage without early understanding and support.
Against this backdrop, The Anchor Practice, a specialist mental health clinic providing psychotherapy and clinical psychology for children, adolescents, young adults and families, has launched a new online workshop designed to support parents of primary-aged children before challenges become more entrenched.
The programme, Holding Parents in Mind, is facilitated by Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists Fanny Lena and Renata Bakker, and focuses on helping parents strengthen their understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation and anxiety in younger children.
Fanny said: “What we often see in clinical work is that difficulties don’t suddenly appear in adolescence. They tend to build over time, often beginning in the early years in ways that can be easy to miss or misunderstand.
“This group is about supporting parents early on, before patterns become fixed. By thinking together about what a child might be communicating through their behaviour, parents can respond in ways that feel more connected and effective.”
Renata added: “Parenting can stir powerful emotional responses, particularly when a child is distressed or acting out. Without space to reflect, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed.
“We want to offer a space that feels supportive rather than judgemental, where parents can better understand their own reactions and how these shape the relationship with their child.”
Fanny Lena brings extensive experience working therapeutically with children and families, helping parents make sense of behaviour through a psychodynamic lens. Her work centres on creating reflective spaces where families can explore the emotional meaning behind behaviour and build stronger, more secure relationships.
Co-facilitator Renata Bakker has a strong background in child and adolescent mental health, with particular expertise in supporting families navigating anxiety, relational difficulties and key developmental transitions.
Her approach focuses on helping parents develop emotional insight and confidence, enabling more attuned and flexible responses to their children.
The workshop is grounded in a psychodynamic understanding of child development and draws on principles of reflective parenting. This approach encourages parents to look beyond surface behaviours and consider the emotional experiences that may sit underneath them.
Across five structured sessions, participants are introduced to key ideas and given time to reflect on their own experiences in a supportive group setting. Through shared discussion, parents are encouraged to consider how their own histories, expectations and external pressures influence their responses to their children.
This process can support the development of more attuned relationships, where both parent and child feel better understood.
Recent research and public health initiatives have increasingly highlighted the importance of early relationships and emotional development in shaping long-term mental health outcomes, with growing emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
The Anchor Practice believes that supporting parents is central to this, helping them feel more emotionally available and confident in responding to their child’s needs.
By focusing on early understanding rather than crisis intervention, the programme aims to reduce the likelihood of difficulties becoming more entrenched over time.
The online format also makes the workshop accessible to parents who may not be able to attend in-person support.
By bringing together parents facing similar experiences, the group fosters a sense of shared understanding and reduces feelings of isolation.
Ultimately, the programme seeks to strengthen family relationships and support children’s emotional wellbeing in a meaningful and lasting way.
Issued by Holyrood PR on behalf of The Anchor Practice, for more information please contact info@holyroodpr.co.uk or 0131 561 2244.
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