Help! My Child’s Anxious: Vanessa Feltz and Saskia Joss Launch Parenting Podcast on Childhood Anxiety
In a world where childhood anxiety is quietly escalating into a widespread mental health concern, a powerful new podcast aims to offer a lifeline to struggling parents. Media veteran and LBC presenter Vanessa Feltz, alongside her daughter, acclaimed child therapist and author Saskia Joss, has launched a groundbreaking new series: “Help! My Child’s Anxious”, a Global original podcast aimed at helping parents, grandparents, and carers navigate the emotional maze of childhood anxiety.
With family-focused episodes and real-life storytelling, the podcast seeks to offer empathy, education, and effective strategies to deal with the emotional turmoil children and their guardians often face.
Vanessa Feltz, renowned for her charismatic presence on British radio and television, brings not just her journalistic skills but also her personal journey as a single mother and now grandmother. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and sharp insights, Vanessa brings warmth and real-world perspective to each episode.
Saskia Joss: The Family Anxiety Specialist
Saskia Joss, author of My Child’s Anxiety is Giving Me Anxiety, is a highly respected child therapist whose work focuses on empowering parents with tools to break the intergenerational cycle of anxiety. Saskia’s professional background and hands-on experience make her the perfect co-host to lend clinical depth and emotional clarity to the show.
The Mission: Tackling the Rising Tide of Childhood Anxiety
Recent research by Ipsos reveals a worrying trend: over 25% of UK parents report their children (aged 4 to 17) have suffered from anxiety or panic attacks in the past year. This data underscores an urgent need for reliable resources that parents can trust.
“Help! My Child’s Anxious” is born out of this need. With an accessible weekly format, the podcast addresses topics such as:
Recognizing early signs of anxiety in children
Understanding panic attacks and emotional regulation
Managing sibling rivalry and social pressures
Navigating the rollercoaster of teenage emotional development
Dealing with school pressures, screen time, and sleep hygiene
A Dual Perspective: The Power of Generational Dialogue
What sets this podcast apart is its intergenerational lens. Vanessa and Saskia explore family anxiety from two sides: the parent who has lived it and the therapist who treats it. This duality brings a rich blend of empathy, authority, and relatability to each episode.
Vanessa on Parenting with Purpose
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with my daughter on such a vital subject. We aim to demystify childhood anxiety and empower families with tools, tips, and stories from our own journey,” says Vanessa. “With warmth, humour, and honesty, we tackle a growing crisis in children’s mental health.”
Saskia on Creating Safe Spaces
“This podcast is more than content—it’s a call to action,” adds Saskia. “Too many families are overwhelmed, and this podcast is our way of providing practical, therapeutic, and compassionate help to those who need it most.”
Episode Highlights: What Listeners Can Expect
Each week, starting 26 June 2025, the podcast will delve into timely and resonant themes, such as:
Episode 1: Why Is My Child So Anxious?
Exploring root causes and myths surrounding child anxiety
Episode 2: Panic Attacks and What to Do in the Moment
A practical guide for parents when emotions run high
Episode 3: How to Talk About Anxiety Without Making It Worse
Communication strategies that foster trust
Episode 4: When Siblings Trigger Each Other
Insights into family dynamics and peer conflict
Episode 5: Teenage Angst or Something More?
Recognizing the line between development and disorder
Engaging Listeners: Interactive and Inclusive
The podcast is not just about broadcasting advice—it’s about starting conversations. Vanessa and Saskia will include:
Listener Q&A sessions
Interviews with fellow parents, educators, and policy-makers
Discussions of new research and policy updates that impact family mental health
Personal anecdotes that make complex emotional issues easier to understand
The Bigger Picture: Family Anxiety as a Societal Challenge
According to recent educational studies and mental health reports, childhood anxiety is now considered a growing pandemic in developed countries. The combination of academic pressure, digital overload, and socio-economic instability has created a perfect storm.
Vanessa and Saskia argue that support for children must begin at home, with informed and emotionally equipped parents. Their podcast contributes to a larger movement toward normalising mental health conversations in family life.
Where to Listen
“Help! My Child’s Anxious” premieres on 26 June 2025 and will be available on:
Global Player
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
New episodes will be released weekly, allowing listeners to absorb and apply insights in manageable doses.
Join the Conversation
This podcast is more than just a listening experience—it’s a community initiative. Families are encouraged to:
Submit questions and personal stories
Join live sessions and webinars
Engage on social media using #HelpMyChildsAnxious
Conclusion: Real Help, Right Now
Whether you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed, a grandparent trying to reconnect, or a caregiver seeking guidance, “Help! My Child’s Anxious” offers a fresh, insightful, and practical roadmap for navigating the emotional world of children.
With the heartfelt narration of Vanessa Feltz and the clinical wisdom of Saskia Joss, this podcast is set to become a cornerstone of family mental health awareness in 2025 and beyond.
