In this Dad Diary, I share some recent moments from family life — from creek adventures and slow weekends at home to advocating for my eldest son at his school overseas. These small, grounding connections set the stage for today’s story: how a simple case of pink eye spiralled into anxiety and ritualistic fears for our six-year-old. What began as a passing illness became a deep dive into co-regulation, burnout, and the art of helping a child feel safe again.
In this episode, I open up about the emotional and practical work of supporting a young child through high anxiety — and what it means to stay grounded as a parent when your child’s fear takes over. With thanks and insight from psychologist Sean Larsen, hypnotherapist Catherine Williams, and family counsellor Erica Spink, I explore how “bottom-up” fear works in a child’s nervous system, why storytelling can be more powerful than reassurance, and how gentle exposure and family balance helped our son heal.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Simple family moments that restore connection — nature play, empathy, and advocacy
How a mild infection triggered deep anxiety in a six-year-old
Why logic doesn’t calm body-based fear
How storytelling can re-train a child’s brain
The emotional load of co-regulation and the need for parental balance
The small daily shifts that made a difference: softer mornings, more play, less pressure