Episode 18: Supporting Kids Through Anxiety with Dr. Fiona MacPhee

Welcome back to MomsWork!

In this episode, Kristin sits down with licensed child psychologist Dr. Fiona MacPhee for a thoughtful, practical, and reassuring conversation about kids’ mental health — with a special focus on anxiety.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Is this normal?

Am I doing enough?

How do I help my child without burning myself out?

This episode is for you.

Dr. MacPhee brings over 15 years of clinical and research experience supporting families navigating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, and school-related stress. She has helped hundreds of families build confidence, coping skills, and stronger relationships — and in this episode, she shares insights every parent can use.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ The many ways anxiety shows up in kids — and why it doesn’t always look like worry
✔️ How anxiety presents differently in young children, tweens, and teens
✔️ When separation anxiety is developmentally typical — and when it may need extra support
✔️ Signs of social anxiety, especially in school settings
✔️ Why anxiety often shows up as stomachaches, headaches, or sleep struggles
✔️ How to respond to avoidance without unintentionally reinforcing anxiety
✔️ The role of reassurance and accommodations — and when they can make anxiety worse
✔️ Practical tools parents can use at home to help kids manage anxious thoughts
✔️ Supporting anxious kids around homework, tests, and school refusal
✔️ Managing your own anxiety as a parent
✔️ When to consider professional support
✔️ What real progress actually looks like when kids are learning to cope

One Important Reminder

Anxiety is common. It is treatable. And parents are not failing when their child struggles.

Dr. MacPhee shares how small, steady steps — rather than quick fixes — help children build lasting coping skills. Progress may not always look dramatic, but resilience grows over time.

About Dr. Fiona MacPhee

Dr. Fiona MacPhee is a licensed child psychologist specializing in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, and school-related stress. She works closely with families to strengthen connection while building practical skills.

You can learn more at:
🌐 https://www.psychologyforfamilies.org/

📱 Instagram: @drfionamacphee

A Note to Parents

If today’s episode resonated with you, we hope it reminded you:

You are not alone.
You are not failing.
Support is always an option.

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — but conversations like this help us feel a little more equipped.

If you enjoyed this episode:

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Thank you for listening — and thank you, Dr. MacPhee, for such a thoughtful and reassuring conversation. 🎙️💛