How to Help Your Child with Anxiety

It seems like your child is afraid of everything. They don’t like being away from you, and they dread going to school. Childhood fears and anxieties can be unsettling for parents. The good news is: childhood anxiety is very common and has little or nothing to do with poor parenting. It is something they will likely outgrow. In this post, we will share how you can help your child with anxiety.

What Is Childhood Anxiety?

First, let’s understand what childhood anxiety looks like. Your child may be worried and fearful, or even angry and easily irritated. They may experience physical symptoms, like stomachaches, headaches, and trouble sleeping. The CDC gives these symptoms to look out for:

• Being afraid their parents are away.
• Having fears about a specific thing or situation, such as certain animals, natural disasters, or going to the doctor.
• Being afraid of school, and other places where there are people.
• Being worried about bad things happening in the future.
• Having panic attacks. These are repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, and intense fear that come with symptoms like heart pounding, trouble breathing, or feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty.

How Can I Help?

Healthy habits will help a child feel less anxious, so be sure your child is getting enough sleep, exercise, and is eating nutritious foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America share practical tips for helping your child manage anxiety:

• Pay attention to what your child is feeling.
• Talk with your child about their anxieties, and show sympathy. Explain that many children have fears, and that you will support them to get through their fears.
• Don’t ask your child to “be brave.”
• Stay calm when your child becomes anxious.
• Recognize and praise small accomplishments, and don’t punish lack of progress.
• Be flexible, but try to maintain a normal routine. For example, allow extra time getting ready for a doctor’s appointment if the doctor’s office is a source of anxiety.
• Be mindful of your expectations during stressful periods.
• Do not belittle your child’s fears, especially in front of their peers.

Be sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s anxiety and fears. They will be able to help you create a plan of action, diagnose and treat anxiety disorders (if that is the case), and refer you to more specialized support.  

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention