How to help your anxious child
It’s easy to assume that anxiety only impacts adults. Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more cases of children struggling with anxiety–even from a very young age. It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Today’s kids are growing up in uncertain times. Things like pandemics, social unrest, climate change, and so much more are at the forefront of their minds.
Whether it’s getting teased at school, trying to fit in, or feeling anxious about doing well on their sports teams, kids can end up having a lot to be anxious about. So, what can you do? How can you help your anxious child to combat those worrying thoughts and keep their anxiety at bay? Let’s cover a few helpful tips.
Understand the Signs
Children can express anxiety differently than adults, so it can be harder for adults to spot. Some common signs can include:
Withdrawing from things they usually love
Not wanting to spend time with their friends or other people they usually enjoy
Becoming clingy or not wanting to be left alone
Irritability
Struggling with sleep
Saying they have an upset stomach or other aches and pains like headaches
While there’s always a chance that these symptoms could be pointing to something else, a combination of them is something you should consider a red flag when it comes to anxiety. The sooner you recognize some of the common signs, the sooner you can step in to help your child.
Here are a couple of ways to help:
Validate Their Feelings
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Think about how you feel during those moments and what would help you come back to reality and calm down. Now, think about how much bigger and scarier those perceived threats might be for your child. It’s essential to validate what they’re feeling. Don’t tell them it’s not a big deal; certainly, don’t blow it off and ignore them.
Instead, sit down and have a conversation about those fears. Try to get to the bottom of the worries, and let your child know you understand that they’re feeling uncomfortable or even frightened. The more understanding you are, the more likely your child will open up to you, so you can get to the bottom of their anxious thoughts and start working through them together.
Be Their Support System
The best thing you can do for your child is to show them your support. Let them know you’re there for them and comfort them when they’re struggling. Provide them with reassurance, consistency, and a healthy routine each day. Encourage them to practice stay healthy by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active. The more your child knows how to take care of their physical and mental health now, the better they’ll be at managing their well-being in the future.
Although it can be difficult to admit, as a parent, you might need to reach out for extra help if your child is really struggling. Consider working with a therapist or counselor to get to the bottom of their anxiety and to help them find effective ways to manage it.
Seeing your child struggling with anxiety can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to control their life forever. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you in helping your child with anxiety..