Best Ways to Support Your Anxious Child

One of your most important roles is to support your child through their struggles. One of the most common struggles that children face is anxiety. While anxiety can be a normal part of childhood, it can also be a severe issue impacting your child’s development and well-being. This is parents need to support their anxious child.

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can range from mild to severe. It is a natural response to stress or a perceived threat and can be helpful in certain situations. However, anxiety can interfere with daily life and lead to other mental health issues when it becomes chronic or severe. For example, children with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches, avoid social situations or school, and struggle with sleep or eating.

As a parent, you are uniquely positioned to help your child overcome anxiety. You know your child best, and you can provide them with the support they need to manage their anxiety. 

Here are some reasons why parents are essential in helping their children overcome anxiety:

1. You can provide a safe and supportive environment: Children with anxiety need a safe and supportive environment to feel comfortable and secure. You can create this environment by listening to your child, providing stability, and offering comfort and reassurance.
2. You can help your child develop coping skills: Coping skills are essential for managing anxiety. You can help your child develop coping skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. Practising these skills with your child can help them feel more confident and in control.
3. You can work with your child’s healthcare providers: If your child’s anxiety is severe, it may be necessary to seek professional help. You can work with your child’s healthcare providers to ensure they receive the treatment required. This may include therapy, medication, or other interventions.
4. You can model healthy behaviours: Children learn by example, and you can model healthy behaviours for your child. This includes managing your anxiety healthily, such as practising self-care, seeking support when needed, and practising healthy coping skills.

What else can you do to support your child with anxiety? 

Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

1. Listen to your child: The first step in supporting your child with anxiety is to listen to them. Ask them how they are feeling and what is causing their anxiety. Validate their feelings and offer comfort and reassurance.
2. Create a routine: Children with anxiety thrive on routine and predictability. Create a daily routine with regular meal times, bedtimes, and other activities.
3. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help manage anxiety. Practice these techniques with your child, so they can use them when they feel anxious. If you need some ideas to get started, check our Mindfulness printable here.
4. Encourage healthy habits: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can help manage anxiety. Encourage your child to engage in these healthy habits.
5. Seek professional help if necessary: If your child’s anxiety is severe, it may be required to seek professional help. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the best course of action.

Looking for a tool to support your anxious child?

If you’re looking for a tool to help your child manage their anxiety, you may want to consider Unleash. This journal is designed specifically for children and provides a range of activities and exercises to help them understand and manage their anxiety.

Unleash includes prompts for journaling, colouring pages, and mindfulness activities. It also provides information about anxiety and how it affects the body and tips for coping with anxiety in different situations.

By using Unleash, your child can better understand their anxiety and learn effective strategies for managing it. This can help them feel more confident and in control and may even reduce the severity and frequency of their anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety can be challenging to manage, but your child can overcome it with the right tools and support. Consider trying Unleash as a way to help your child on their journey to managing their anxiety and achieving greater well-being.

Learn more about Unleash here.

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