How to help a child with anxiety
When a child is struggling with anxiety, it can be difficult for parents, caregivers, and teachers to know how to help. Often, anxiety presents in ways that are hard to understand, making it tough to offer the right support. However, some strategies can make a big difference. Let’s learn more about how to help a child with anxiety.
Recognize the Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety is not just about being scared; it can also show up as changes in behavior or physical symptoms. Sometimes, kids will avoid certain situations because they feel overwhelmed, or they might express excessive worries for their age.
Common signs of anxiety in children:
Difficulty sleeping
Complaints of physical ailments (e.g., tummy aches, headaches)
Avoiding activities or places they previously enjoyed
Constant worry or asking “What if?” questions
Excessive need for reassurance
If you notice these behaviors in a child, anxiety might be a factor. But it’s important to remember that each child experiences anxiety differently, so it’s crucial to approach them with care.
Become Their Safe Space
Talking about anxiety doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does need to be done in a way that feels safe for the child. It’s important not to dismiss their feelings or concerns, even if they seem exaggerated. When you acknowledge a child’s feelings, you create a space where they can open up and feel heard.
What to say:
“I see that you’re feeling worried about [situation]. That sounds tough. Let’s talk about it.”
“I understand that you’re scared right now. It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s figure this out together.”
Be sure to listen actively, without interrupting, and ask open-ended questions to encourage the child to express themselves fully. Sometimes, children just need someone to listen without judgment.
Teach Coping Skills
Kids may not know how to handle anxiety, so it’s helpful to teach them coping strategies that are easy to remember. Some good approaches include grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and deep breathing exercises. You might also want to introduce a visual tool, like a "calm down jar" with instructions they can refer to when feeling anxious.
Celebrate Small Progress
Empowering children with anxiety by helping them feel capable and in control goes a long way. For example, if a child is anxious about going to school, you can create a plan where they practice each step of getting ready and leaving the house.
What to do:
Create a checklist of tasks, such as getting dressed, having breakfast, brushing their teeth, and putting on shoes. Celebrate each small victory along the way.
Focus on what went well rather than what didn’t. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep trying.
Model Patience
Children are great at picking up on the emotional energy of the adults around them. If they see you staying calm in stressful situations, they’ll be more likely to imitate that behavior. While it’s important to acknowledge the child’s anxiety, it’s also essential to show them that it’s possible to remain calm in the face of worry.
Get Professional Help
It’s important to recognize when a child’s anxiety might be more than what can be managed at home. If the anxiety is affecting their ability to function daily, or if you’re unsure how to help, it may be time to involve a professional.
As a therapist, I regularly work with children and their families struggling with anxiety. Together we can develop tailored coping strategies to help your child manage their anxiety.
Next Steps
Helping a child with anxiety involves a combination of understanding, support, and practical strategies. Sometimes the best thing to do is to be patient and let the child know they’re not alone.
With the right support, children can build resilience and learn to manage their anxiety more effectively. If you’re looking for a child therapist to aid your family through this challenging period, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form on my website.