Help! My Child's Anxious

11-29 Media

Parenting is hard. And when anxiety enters the picture, it can feel impossible. If your child is struggling and you're not sure what to do next, this is the podcast for you.

Join broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and her daughter, child therapist Saskia Joss, as they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids - especially when anxiety or emotional overwhelm start to take over. With a powerful mix of professional insight, real-life stories, and no-judgment honesty, each episode offers clear, compassionate advice to help you feel more equipped and less alone.

From school avoidance and separation anxiety, tricky teens to bedtime battles, they tackle the hardest parenting moments with warmth, humour, and expert guidance - because while parenting doesn’t come with a manual, this podcast might be the next best thing.

Want to get in touch? Email us: helpmychildsanxious@global.com

For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com

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56 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes56

Newest first

Oct 2, 2025 · 32 min
Sick with anxiety
This week, Vanessa and Saskia dive into the world of child health anxiety, why it shows up, what it might look like in your little one, and how you can support them when worries take over.
Sep 24, 2025 · 33 min
Anxiously Rapping with Matt Green
In this week’s episode, the dynamic duo are joined by none other than the Rapping Science Teacher himself, Matt Green! We talk to Matt about why he started creating educational raps, how teachers can support anxious children in school, and he even shares a personal story about anxiety at home. This episode has it all including Matt’s “Never Feltz So Good.”
Sep 17, 2025 · 32 min
Is Perfectionism Harming My Child?
Does your child get stuck trying to be perfect? Maybe they avoid challenges, get stuck over small mistakes, or feel crushed by the pressure to always get it right. In this episode, we explore how perfectionism fuels anxiety in kids, why it shows up, and what you can do to help. With practical tips and compassionate insight, we’ll help you support your child to let go of perfection and build confidence instead.
Sep 11, 2025 · 33 min
Could the Internet Be Fueling Childhood Anxiety?
How safe are our children in the digital world? In this episode, we explore the rise of childhood anxiety in the age of constant screen time and online pressures. Vanessa opens up about her own struggles with going digital world, reminding us that if adults can feel overwhelmed online, the impact on young, developing minds can be even greater. Join us as we ask the tough questions about protecting children, supporting their mental health, and creating a safer online space for the next generation.
Sep 4, 2025 · 32 min
First Day Fears!
Is your child feeling anxious about going back to school? You're not alone. In this episode, broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and her daughter, Child Therapist Saskia Joss, dive into the common worries children face as the new school year begins, from separation anxiety to social fears and academic pressure. Together, they share practical tips, expert insights, and real life strategies to help parents support their children through the transition and make the return to school a little less overwhelming.
Aug 28, 2025 · 31 min
What Is The Mental Load with Cat Sims
This week, the dynamic duo are joined by the incredible Cat Sims! Cat explains what the mental load is, how she manages her own anxiety, and how she supports her children through theirs. We also hear what Cat likes to do with her children on this week Never Feltz So Good!
Aug 21, 2025 · 35 min
Will My Children Ever Be Friends?
Why can’t siblings just get along? In this episode, Vanessa Feltz and Saskia Joss dive into the world of sibling rivalry, the fights, the jealousy, and the chaos in between. What’s really behind the bickering, and how can parents calm the storm? Tune in for laughs, insights, and real talk.
Aug 14, 2025 · 34 min
Is Body Image Anxiety Starting Too Young?
Is body image anxiety starting too young? In this powerful episode, Vanessa Feltz and child therapist Saskia Joss dive into the growing issue of body image struggles in children. Together, they explore why so many kids are feeling anxious about how they look and what parents can do to help. Vanessa opens up about her own experiences with body image, sharing real stories from her childhood.
Aug 7, 2025 · 33 min
Was I not enough for my parents?
What happens when you leave for the hospital and come home with... a brand new baby? For many kids, it sparks anxiety, confusion and even the fear of being replaced. This week the dynamic duo discusses sibling anxiety! What to look out for and how to overcome it before the babies brought home. Vanessa shares what she did when she gave birth to Saskia to make sure her older child, Allegra, felt comfortable with the situation.
Jul 31, 2025 · 32 min
Split Happens - But What About the Kids?
Divorce can shake the foundation of a family — but how does it really affect children, especially when it comes to anxiety? In this episode, we explore what kids feel when their parents split, how anxiety shows up (even when it’s hidden), and what parents and caregivers can do to help. Vanessa Feltz opens up about navigating her own divorce — reflecting on what she did well when it came to parenting and things that she regretted handling the way she did.
Jul 23, 2025 · 33 min
The Anxiety Bullying Brings
Join us as we explore the hidden impact of bullying on children's mental health. From playground fears to silent anxiety, we unpack what kids really go through and how parents, teachers, and caregivers can help them feel safe, seen, and strong. We'll also hear how Vanessa Feltz dealt with her child being bullied with help from a very special person.
Jul 16, 2025 · 38 min
Breaking the Silence on Social Anxiety
Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz teams up with her daughter, Child Therapist Saskia Joss, to break down the walls of social anxiety in children. Together, they explore what social anxiety looks like, how it shows up in everyday life, and—most importantly—how parents can help. Saskia offers expert tips and practical strategies, while Vanessa shares her personal experience as a mum and what she did to help her own children build confidence and social ease. We also ask the question where should and shouldn't you put jelly!?
Jul 9, 2025 · 29 min
The Worry Hour: Helping Kids Sleep Peacefully
This week, Vanessa Feltz and her Child Therapist daughter Saskia Joss discuss bedtime anxiety. From not wanting to go to bed to being scared of sleeping alone, the duo breaks down what bedtime anxiety looks like in children and the first steps you can take to support your child. They also share what they did with their own children to try and ease the struggles of bedtime anxiety.
Jul 2, 2025 · 32 min
Separation anxiety: The struggle is real
This week, Vanessa Feltz and Saskia Joss dive into the emotional rollercoaster of separation anxiety. That all too familiar moment when a simple goodbye turns into a full-scale meltdown. Whether it’s school drop-off, bedtime or just stepping out of the room, they explore why some children struggle so deeply with separation, what’s really going on beneath the tears and how parents can support their children without losing their own sanity in the process. Vanessa opens up about a memorable trip that brought separation anxiety to the forefront in her own family. And together with heartfelt stories, psychological insight and practical advice, the duo talk through the subtle signs of anxiety that parents often miss, the dos and don’ts when emotions run high and how to build confidence and trust in children who find goodbyes just too hard.
Jun 25, 2025 · 37 min
Listening to anxiety: What is it trying to say?
Vanessa Feltz and childhood mental health expert Saskia Joss unpack the real meaning behind anxiety: why it happens, how it speaks through behaviour, and what it’s trying to signal - not just in children, but in all of us. They explore how to spot the early signs of anxiety in young people, and share the essential first steps parents can take to support their child - without blame, shame or guilt. Vanessa also opens up about her own anxiety, including how it caught her off guard during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Whether you're a parent, carer, or just curious about mental health, this podcast blends expert insight with heartfelt conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe or follow, so every episode will appear automatically for you each week.
Jun 23, 2025 · 1 min
Help! My Child's Anxious: with Vanessa Feltz and her daughter Saskia Joss. Coming soon - Subscribe and Follow NOW!
Parenting is hard. And when anxiety enters the picture, it can feel impossible. If your child is struggling and you're not sure what to do next, this is the podcast for you. Join broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and her daughter, child therapist Saskia Joss, as they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids - especially when anxiety or emotional overwhelm start to take over. With a powerful mix of professional insight, real-life stories, and no-judgment honesty, each episode offers clear, compassionate advice to help you feel more equipped and less alone. From school refusal and separation anxiety, tricky teens to bedtime battles, they tackle the hardest parenting moments with warmth, humour, and expert guidance - because while parenting doesn’t come with a manual, this podcast might be the next best thing. Listen and subscribe on Global Player, download the app, or head to globalplayer.com.