Parenting a Child with Anxiety? These Resources Can Help!

by Megan Hertel, M. Ed., LLPC

February 6, 2026

Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—journeys we can take. And when our children are dealing with anxiety, that journey can feel even more complex. The good news is: you're not alone. There's a growing body of resources from trusted professionals that can support you and your child along the way.

These books, podcasts, and tools are valuable supplements—but not substitutes—for professional mental health care. If your child faces significant anxiety, working with a licensed mental health provider is essential. Think of these resources as helpful reinforcements to therapy.

Here are my recommended parenting resources for helping children with anxiety. Whether you’re starting to learn or seeking deeper insights, I hope something here resonates.

🌟 Robyn Gobbel - Website: robyngobbel.com

Robyn Gobbel is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in trauma, attachment, and regulation. She offers an impressive collection of free resources, including podcasts, blog posts, and videos. Her approach is grounded in neuroscience and is incredibly accessible for parents. Robyn also provides online and in-person training for both parents and professionals, plus a welcoming online community. If you’re new to the world of neurobiology-informed parenting, her work is a great place to begin.

🎧 Dr. Brenna Hicks – Play Therapy Parenting Podcast

Dr. Hicks brings her expertise as a play therapist to the mic with the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast. She breaks down complex emotional and behavioral challenges into manageable, compassionate insights. The episodes are bite-sized and practical, perfect for listening on the go. Her warm, down-to-earth style makes even difficult topics easier to digest.

📘 Dr. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside

Dr. Becky has become a household name in the world of parenting thanks to her relatable and science-backed strategies. Good Inside—available in both print and audiobook—offers tools for strengthening your relationship with your child while addressing anxiety and big emotions. Her work empowers parents to set boundaries with empathy and create a secure emotional environment at home.

📖 Dr. Eli R. Lebowitz – Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD

If your child struggles with more intense forms of anxiety or OCD, this book is a must-read. Dr. Lebowitz developed the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model, which focuses on reducing accommodations that may unintentionally reinforce a child’s anxiety. This book offers a clear, compassionate, and evidence-based framework for helping your child feel safe and capable in the face of fear.

🧠 Dr. Daniel Siegel & Dr. Tina Payne Bryson – The Whole-Brain Child

This bestselling book is a cornerstone in many parenting libraries—and for good reason. It explains how a child’s brain develops and how parents can support emotional regulation and resilience in age-appropriate ways. Using simple language and real-life examples, Siegel and Bryson guide you in nurturing a well-balanced, emotionally intelligent child.

📚 Dr. Daniel Siegel & Dr. Tina Payne Bryson – No-Drama Discipline

Also from Siegel and Bryson, this companion book focuses on discipline strategies that teach rather than punish. It’s especially helpful for anxious kids who may react strongly to traditional forms of discipline. The accompanying workbook offers exercises and prompts to personalize the strategies for your child’s unique needs.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a child with anxiety can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be isolating. These experts offer a variety of tools, perspectives, and encouragement to help you feel more confident and connected as a parent. I encourage you to explore what resonates most with your family and take things one step at a time.

You’ve got this. ❤️