Caroline Goldsmith | ATC Ireland Psychologist: Helping Children Cope with Stress and Anxiety

Childhood should be a time of curiosity, joy, and growth. But in today’s fast-moving world, more and more children are struggling with stress and anxiety—sometimes in ways that go unseen by adults. Caroline Goldsmith, a renowned psychologist with ATC Ireland, has worked extensively with children and families facing these challenges. Her work emphasizes early recognition, gentle intervention, and emotionally attuned parenting as key strategies in supporting children’s mental health.

Understanding what causes anxiety in children and how to respond can make all the difference in a child’s emotional development and long-term well-being.

Why Are Children Experiencing More Anxiety Today?

According to Caroline Goldsmith, a range of social, environmental, and even neurological factors contribute to the rise in childhood anxiety. These include:

• Academic pressures and unrealistic expectations

• Exposure to negative media and global uncertainty

• Family conflicts, including high-conflict separation

• Social media comparisons and online bullying

• Overscheduling and lack of downtime

• Neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD)

While a certain level of anxiety is normal and even protective, persistent or overwhelming worry in children can impair learning, disrupt sleep, and lead to physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. That’s why recognizing the signs early is crucial.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Anxiety

Caroline Goldsmith encourages parents to look beyond behavior and tune in to emotional cues. Children often can’t express anxiety in words, so it may come out in other ways, such as:

• Frequent complaints of physical ailments (e.g., headaches, stomach pain)

• Avoidance of school or social situations

• Irritability, tearfulness, or sudden outbursts

• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes

• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

• Clinginess or fear of being alone

These signs may seem subtle at first, but they can indicate deeper emotional distress that deserves compassionate attention.

What Causes Anxiety to Escalate in Children?

Goldsmith emphasizes that children internalize more than we often realize. A small incident—a poor grade, a disagreement with a friend, or overhearing adult conversations—can become a seed of chronic worry if left unaddressed.

Common contributing factors include:

• Unvalidated emotions (“You’re overreacting”)

• Inconsistent discipline or routines

• Lack of emotional vocabulary or tools

• Perceived lack of control or autonomy

• Witnessing adult stress without explanation

Goldsmith’s advice: treat every fear, no matter how irrational it seems to adults, as real to the child. It’s not about eliminating all anxiety but building the tools to manage it.

How to Help Your Child Cope with Stress and Anxiety

Caroline Goldsmith outlines evidence-based strategies that caregivers can use to support emotional resilience in children:

1. Create a Safe and Predictable Environment

Consistency and routine are anchors for anxious children. Predictability reduces uncertainty, which is a major trigger for anxiety.

• Set regular meal and bedtime routines.

• Give advance notice of transitions (e.g., “In 10 minutes we’ll turn off the TV”).

• Keep promises and boundaries clear.

2. Help Children Name Their Feelings

Children feel less overwhelmed when they can understand and name what they’re experiencing. Use age-appropriate language and emotional vocabulary:

• “It sounds like you’re feeling nervous about tomorrow.”

• “Your tummy hurts—do you think something’s worrying you?”

Goldsmith often uses visuals, like emotion wheels or story cards, to help younger children identify and process their feelings.

3. Model Calm Behavior and Self-Regulation

Children mirror adult behavior. If they see parents reacting to stress with anger, withdrawal, or panic, they’re likely to internalize those same responses.

• Narrate your own calming strategies (“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths”).

• Avoid catastrophizing language or overexposure to stressful news.

4. Teach Coping Tools and Calming Techniques

Goldsmith recommends introducing calming practices early on so they become second nature:

• Deep breathing or “bubble breaths” (inhale through nose, exhale like blowing bubbles)

• Mindfulness exercises (body scans, mindful listening)

• Journaling or drawing feelings

• Progressive muscle relaxation (tense and release muscles)

Creating a calming corner at home, with soft lighting, books, and sensory tools, can be a safe space for a child to regulate emotions.

5. Validate, Don’t Dismiss

Avoid brushing off fears or trying to “fix” them immediately. Instead, validate emotions first:

• “I can see that this is really hard for you.”

• “It’s okay to feel scared. Let’s figure it out together.”

Validation builds trust and gives children the confidence to explore solutions.

When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety interferes with your child’s daily functioning — school attendance, sleep, eating, or relationships — it’s time to consult a professional. Caroline Goldsmith and her team at ATC Ireland offer a range of services tailored to children, including:

• Child-centered therapy and play-based interventions

• Parental coaching for emotional regulation and communication

• Support for children with neurodevelopmental conditions

• Trauma-informed strategies for high-conflict or separated families

Early intervention often prevents mild anxiety from becoming a long-term issue and empowers both children and parents with lifelong coping strategies.

Final Thoughts from Caroline Goldsmith

“Children don’t need to be fearless — they need to know they’re never alone in their fear. When we help them feel seen, heard, and supported, we lay the foundation for a future of resilience.”

Helping children cope with stress and anxiety isn’t about shielding them from discomfort — it’s about equipping them with the emotional tools to meet challenges with confidence. With gentle guidance, open conversations, and a nurturing environment, even the most anxious child can grow into a capable, emotionally intelligent adult.