Mindful Parenting and Child Emotional Well-being

Many parents notice that their child seems to worry excessively, feels anxious in social situations, or becomes very distressed in certain circumstances. Left unaddressed, childhood anxiety can affect school performance, friendships, and long-term mental health. Parenting behaviours can play an important role in either soothing or inadvertently reinforcing a child's anxiety. This pilot study is testing a mindful parenting program that helps parents understand and manage their own emotional responses first, so they can better support an anxious child. The program specifically targets anxiety-related beliefs and behaviours that parents may unknowingly pass on to their children. It is delivered in a group format and runs over several sessions. You may be eligible if you are a parent with a child currently aged between 3 and 18 who you believe tends to worry a lot, feel nervous, shy, or anxious. Parents must be able to communicate adequately in English and not currently be engaged in another psychological therapy program. People with significant mental health conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or active substance use, as well as those with current suicidal risk or child safeguarding concerns, are not eligible.