School anxiety is one of the fastest-growing challenges facing families today, yet few parents know what to do when a child simply can’t bring themselves to walk through the school gates.

In this episode Stef McSherry is talking to leading psychotherapist Bronagh Starrs as she unpacks the hidden drivers of school anxiety and explains why willpower, rewards and pressure rarely work.

Drawing on a mix of evidence-based strategies and Bronagh’s own decades of clinical experience, her new book I Can't Go In - Understanding School Anxiety & Help Your Child Find A Way Back to Class, offers clear steps to help calm morning panic, rebuild trust and help children feel safe enough to get back to learning again.

Bronagh Starrs is a mental health consultant and an expert in contemporary adolescence. An experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, parenting consultant, writer and trainer, she is based in Omagh, Northern Ireland.

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler check out www.kinderama.com.

And if you want to spark some imaginative play at home why not take a look at https://irishfairytails.com/

Become a curious mermaid or a brave dragon with these beautiful book and tail sets!

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with thefamilyedit.ie

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