When worry gets in the way, one brave step at a time.
For parents whose child’s worries are starting to get in the way of school, sleep, friends or family life. Six steps from Dr Kaylene Henderson, child psychiatrist, that you work through at home, together.
Is it for us?
Every child worries sometimes. Courage Coaching is for when worry has started to make your family’s world smaller. It might be for you if:
- your child is between 4 and 12
- worry is stopping them doing things, like going to school, sleeping in their own bed, joining in or trying something new
- lots of reassurance helps for a moment, then the “what ifs” come straight back
- you’d like a clear plan to follow at home, at your own pace
Courage Coaching is for you, the parent. Your child never has an account: they practise with you at home.
The six steps.
Each step builds on the one before. Try it at home, then move on when you’re ready.
- Understanding worry
What worry is, why it shows up, and what keeps it going. - Strong foundations
The everyday things that make bravery easier: sleep, routines and time together. - Calm bodies
Simple ways to help your child’s body settle when worry starts. - Thinking tools
Helping your child answer back to the “what ifs”. - Practising courage
Small brave steps, planned together and practised often. - Keep going
What to do when worry comes back, and how to keep practising as your child grows.
How each step works
Short enough to fit around family life. Practical enough to use the same week.
Short lessons
Kaylene explains each step in short videos you can watch on the couch or in the car park.
Live question times
Send in your questions and hear Kaylene answer them live. Can’t make it? Watch the recording later.
One thing to try each week
A single, small thing to practise at home before the next step, with the words to use.
Printables for your child
Worry sorters, brave-step ladders and calm-down cards to use together.
Through your child’s school?
Schools can give families access to Courage Coaching. If yours has, use the code they sent. You get your own private account, and the school never sees what you open.
Questions
Is this therapy?
No. Courage Coaching is parenting education from a child psychiatrist. It helps you help your child at home. It doesn’t replace care from your GP or a psychologist, and you can do both.
How long does it take?
There are six steps, and you go at your own pace. Take time with each one and try it at home before moving on.
Is it part of membership?
No. Programs like Courage Coaching sit on their own, and you can do it with or without a membership.
Does my child need to watch?
No. The lessons are for you. Your child joins in through the things you try at home and the printables made for them.
When to get more help
Courage Coaching is for everyday worries that have grown. Some worries need more. Talk to your GP, who can refer you to a psychologist if needed, when:
- worry is stopping your child going to school, eating or sleeping most days
- they have panic, or worries they can’t stop, that take up a lot of their day
- things are getting harder, not easier, even with lots of support
If your child talks about hurting themselves or not wanting to be here, get help straight away: see your GP today, or call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. If anyone is in danger, call 000.