According to research published inJAMA Pediatrics, anxiety in kids looks like it’s on the rise.
By 2020, 9.2% of American children had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When kids feel anxious, it’s normal for parents and other adults to want to help.
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Anxiety can be sparked by anything from day-to-day worries.
By understanding what might be creating distress, you could take steps to help your child deal with anxiety.
When kids feel anxious, they need to hear reassuring words from a trusted adult.
Offer your support and let them know that you are there for them.
Let your child know that their feelings are normal and that they will get through it.
Remind them of the times when they have previously managed anxiety successfully.
Provide Healthy Coping Strategies
Help your child developcoping strategiesto manage anxiety.
Empathize With Your Child
Let your child know that you understand how they’re feeling.
Listening without trying to fix the problem or giving advice can be very helpful.
Asking questions like ‘What do you think might help?"
can open up a conversation and allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words.
This helps validate their feelings without reinforcing that fear.
Gradually increase the time spent in school until the child feels more comfortable and less afraid.
Minimize Anticipatory Anxiety
Anticipatory anxietyoccurs when people worry about something that they expect to happen.
For many kids, worrying about future events is more stressful than the event itself.
it’s possible for you to minimize this fear by reducing their “worry window.”
Working together as a family to manage anxiety can help your child.
Play therapyandcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) can effectively treat children coping with anxiety.
CBT specifically helps kids better understand the types of distorted thoughts that contribute to anxiety and fear.
It involves gradually exposing children to the source of their fear.
Over time, their fear gradually subsides.
Final Thoughts
Seeking professional help for your child’s anxiety can be beneficial.
Talk to a mental health provider if your child needs additional support.
You don’t have to go through this alone!
There are many resources available for both you and your child.
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