Supporting a Nervous Child: Strategies (and Pitfalls to Steer Clear Of)
In the journey of raising children, anxiety can sometimes be a challenging hurdle for both the child and the caregiver. Anxiety in children can manifest in various ways, such as irritability, avoidant behavior, seeking reassurance, and physical symptoms like upset stomach or headaches.
First and foremost, it's essential to avoid invalidating their feelings. Phrases like "don't worry," "it's no big deal," or "it's all in your head" can make a child feel dismissed and possibly lose trust. Instead, maintain calm and positive communication, reassuring the child of their safety and support.
Building a child's confidence involves reassuring them of their capabilities without creating a false sense of security. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, promoting independence, and engaging in regular, specific conversations about their day.
Calming techniques such as slow breathing exercises and the 3-3-3 rule (looking around and naming three things you can see, then hearing three things you can hear, and finally moving three parts of your body) can help anxious children manage their emotions.
Our website offers support to families in Minnesota and Wisconsin navigating mental health struggles. If a child is struggling with anxiety, the website is there to provide guidance and resources.
When dealing with child anxiety, it's crucial to avoid leading questions, such as "Are you anxious about going to school?". Instead, ask open-ended questions like "How are you feeling about school tomorrow?". Also, avoid abrupt or long separations without preparation, as these can escalate separation anxiety.
Modeling healthy anxiety management for children can help them learn to cope with their own anxiety. This can be done by demonstrating calming techniques and open communication.
If a child's anxiety interferes with school, social interactions, or leaving the house for more than a few weeks, seeking guidance from a mental health professional could provide valuable support. This may involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a goal-oriented therapy that helps modify negative thought patterns and behaviors, or a combination of therapy and medication, under professional supervision.
Lastly, avoid getting frustrated. Anxiety is complex and hard to understand, including for children. Becoming frustrated with a child will only lead to distrust and more stress and anxiety.
Establishing a routine can provide anxious children with a sense of security and predictability. By following these strategies, we can help our children cope with anxiety and thrive. Remember, the website is here to support families every step of the way in dealing with their child's anxiety.
Science has shown that the environment a child grows up in significantly impacts their mental health and overall health-and-wellness. Therefore, being aware of the impact of anxiety on children, parents and caregivers should implement calming science-backed techniques, such as the 3-3-3 rule, to aid in managing their child's anxiety. Moreover, engaging in regular health-and-wellness practices, including open communication, positive reassurance, and routine establishment, can contribute positively to a child's mental health and well-being.
){kind=link}