This 10-week program helps parents of children aged seven to 12 years to better manage anxiety. It involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. The program covers topics including:

• learning about feelings and anxiety
• learning to think more realistically
• parenting an anxious child
• fighting fear by facing fear
• coping skills, such as building social confidence and problem-solving.

Most young people who complete the program show significant improvement in fields like increased school attendance, academic achievement, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities, as well as decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.

The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is delivered face-to-face in weekly small group sessions, with a maximum of 10 children. We can run multiple programs at a time depending on interest, and try to ensure children are grouped with others of a similar age.

Parents will also be invited to attend three parent sessions. Between sessions, children will be asked to practice skills at home and at school.

CRCS employees Dechen Choden and Molly Havyatt are accredited by Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to use the Cool Kids Anxiety Program. The intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the Program are owned by Macquarie University. Macquarie University does not endorse any particular provider of the program and their other services.