Does your child or teen seem perfectly fine on Saturday, only to become moody, anxious, or withdrawn by Sunday afternoon?

Maybe they start complaining about school, feeling overwhelmed, or even develop those familiar headaches or stomachaches. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries head-on. Whether it’s the pressure of looming homework, social anxiety, or the dread of early wake-ups, many young people struggle with the anxiety that creeps in as the weekend comes to an end—and as a parent, it’s hard to watch.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m going to give you the exact tools and strategies you need to transform those anxious Sundays into peaceful, confident family time. By the end of this episode, you’ll go from feeling helpless and frustrated when these Sunday Scaries hit, to feeling empowered, prepared, and confident. Together, we’ll build a game plan to help your child or teen manage their anxiety and start their week on the right foot.

You’ll learn:

• (3:47) The telltale signs of the Sunday Scaries—and why your child’s anxiety isn’t just about not wanting to go to school.
• (7:24) The fascinating science behind anticipatory anxiety and how your child’s brain is reacting to Monday’s stress before it even begins.
• (10:15) Why unstructured weekends can actually make Sunday anxiety worse—and the simple changes you can make to create a smoother transition.
• (12:30) The three most common triggers of Sunday anxiety—and how identifying them is the first step to easing your child’s worries.
• (15:52) The power of empathetic, non-judgmental conversations—plus a simple script to help your child open up about what’s really bothering them.
• (20:28) Why planning ahead on Friday can save your Sunday—and a step-by-step guide to setting up a weekend schoolwork strategy that works.
• (21:55) How creating a Sunday routine that balances relaxation and preparation can transform your family’s weekend—and reduce those last-minute Sunday night meltdowns.
• (27:17) Do you feel the Sunday Scaries too? Why it’s time to recognize and manage your own Sunday stress, so you don’t pass it onto your family.
• (35:48) Your weekly challenge: One small action you can take today to help your child—and yourself—take control of Sunday anxiety for good.

Ready to turn those chaotic, anxiety-filled Sundays into calm, intentional family time? By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan that will help you guide your child or teen through the Sunday Scaries—and, just as importantly, you’ll know how to manage your own Sunday anxiety too.

For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

• Join the Modern Parenting Facebook Group
• Take My Court-Approved Online Parenting Classes
• Explore My Library of Free Parenting Resources
• Take My Quiz & Find Out If Your Parenting Style Leans More Traditional, Modern - Or Somewhere In Between!

Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

• Free PDF Guide: The Ultimate Guide To Making Better Parenting Decisions

Connect With Dr. B:

• Email: Podcast@ModernParentingSolutions.org
• Get Daily Education, Inspiration, and Support on Instagram