Anxiety in children : What can parents do?
Introduction
Anxiety is a common and normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time.
In children, anxiety can become a problem when it starts to interfere with their daily lives. It’s important for parents to be able to identify the signs of anxiety in their children so that they can seek help if needed.
Common signs of anxiety in children include:
physical symptoms such as restlessness or fatigue,
behavioural changes such as irritability or avoidance of activities, and
cognitive changes such as worrying thoughts or difficulty concentrating on daily tasks.
Parents should also look out for signs that their child's anxieties are starting to cause distress or disruption in their day-to-day life. By paying attention to these warning signs and being aware of possible causes, parents can take steps towards helping their anxious child find relief and gain control over their emotions.
Common symptoms of anxiety in children
Physical symptoms of anxiety in children can include restlessness, feeling tired all the time, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and weight, headaches or stomach aches with no apparent cause. These physical symptoms are often a sign that something is not quite right and should be addressed by a professional.
Behavioural changes associated with anxiety in children may include avoidance of activities they once enjoyed, changes in temperament such as irritability or aggression, difficulties making decisions or solving problems due to worry and fearfulness about the consequences of their actions. It’s important for parents to pay attention to these signs of distress so that they can take steps towards helping their child find relief from their anxieties.
Cognitive changes associated with anxiety can include worrying thoughts which become difficult for the child to control; obsessive thinking; difficulty concentrating on tasks; memory issues due to ruminating on worries instead of focusing on information needed for schoolwork; catastrophizing situations where minor events appear much worse than they actually are; and fear-based decision-making where choices have been made based upon what will avoid an anxious outcome rather than what would lead to desired results. Supporting your child through cognitive restructuring techniques such as reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones will help them gain control over their anxieties.
What can cause children to become anxious?
It can be fairly complicated, but in a nutshell, it's a mix of what's going on inside our bodies, our surroundings, and our family history. Here are a few, non-exhaustive, sources of anxiety in children:
Body signs: Our bodies have a bunch of stuff going on inside, like hormones and brain chemicals. Think of hormones as the mood DJs; when they're not playing the right tunes, we can feel off. Then there are neurotransmitters, which are like the brain's walkie-talkies. If they're not chatting properly, that can lead to feeling anxious. And if the brain's happy juice, called serotonin, is low, it can boost anxiety levels. Factors like lack of sleep, over-stimulation, poor nutrition, or even certain medications can change this balance.
Outside world: Sometimes, the world around us can be tough. Kids might face bullies at school, tests at school, issues at home, or even big scary events like natural disasters. Moving to a new place or witnessing something bad can also shake them up. Kids thrive on routine, and when that's disrupted, it can be a source of anxiety. Believe it or not, pollution isn't just bad for the environment - it can mess with our mental health too. Air pollution, for example, has been linked to long term issues like anxiety and depression. All these things pile up and can make a kid feel stressed or anxious.
Family tree: Ever heard the saying, "It runs in the family?" Well, sometimes, how we feel emotionally can come from our genes. It's like inheriting your grandma's eyes or your dad's laugh. If parents or grandparents have had anxiety or other mental health conditions, there's a higher chance that the child might experience it too. It's a combo of genetics and also growing up in an environment where anxiety might be more common.
Understanding these causes can help parents, teachers, and caregivers provide the right support and tools to help kids manage and overcome their anxiety. Knowledge is power!
Strategies for helping anxious children
Helping anxious kids isn't just about saying the right words, it's about truly understanding what's going on in their minds. First and foremost, it's key to address their worries head-on. Listen to them, validate their feelings, and offer genuine comfort. Being real and honest with them builds trust. So, no making fake promises or just brushing off their concerns. Instead, let's really dig into those fears, chat about them, and explore ways to tackle them. And hey, never underestimate the power of a comforting hug or some gentle physical affection.
Another key bit is building their self-confidence and resilience. Encouraging positive self-talk can work wonders. When they're facing situations that make them nervous or scared, remind them that everyone has off days, and it's totally okay. Teach them the importance of speaking kindly about themselves and those around them.
Also, equip them with tools to handle tough emotions. Maybe it's about finding more productive ways to deal with feelings like anger or fear, or maybe it's about teaching them problem-solving skills. Let's make sure they know it's okay to open up about their feelings, and that bottling them up isn't the answer. A supportive ear and a safe environment at home where they can freely express themselves without judgement can make all the difference.
Lastly, it's crucial for everyone in their life, from teachers to family members, to be observant. If you notice changes in their behaviour, like avoiding activities they used to love or being more irritable, it's a sign they might need some extra support. These moments are opportunities for us to step in, offer a listening ear, and provide the emotional backup they need to navigate through their anxieties. After all, it's teamwork that helps our kids grow strong and confident.
Teaching coping skills to children
Teaching kids how to handle their worries is like handing them a secret playbook for life's challenges. Every child faces moments of uncertainty, and it's our job to equip them with the right tools to navigate these bumps. One of the best tools in the kit? Problem-solving skills. These skills empower them to face tricky situations head-on and figure out creative ways to tackle them. It's about building their confidence, and trust me, brainstorming sessions or even a playful round of role-playing can be super fun and super helpful. Over time, they will learn to think outside the box and come up with solutions for those stressy moments.
Now, let's chat about those times when the world feels like it's spinning a tad too fast. We've all been there. For kids, having some go-to relaxation techniques can be a lifesaver. Imagine teaching them to take a deep, calming breath when things get tough or guiding them through muscle relaxation exercises. Even a simple exercise like visualising a peaceful place, like a beach or a meadow, can be a game-changer. It's like a mini-vacation for their minds, helping them hit the reset button.
Another big win? Positive reinforcement. Kids thrive on encouragement and validation. When they face something anxiety-provoking and handle it like champs, let's celebrate that! It could be a high-five, some words of praise, or even a little reward. The idea is to cheer them on when they step out of their comfort zone or manage a tough situation without ducking away. It's all about boosting their confidence and letting them know they're doing great.
At the end of the day, all these techniques and strategies boil down to one simple message: Kids can take charge of their feelings! They can learn to react, adapt, and handle even the most stressful events. And with a bit of guidance and a whole lot of love, they'll grow up knowing they've got the skills to face whatever comes their way.
Getting professional help
If you've been seeing that your kid's anxiety has been lingering for a bit longer than usual, or it's starting to mess with their daily groove, you might want to consider getting an extra hand in helping them out. You know, sometimes having a chat with your family doctor or even looking into things like counselling can be a real game-changer. There's a whole world of options - from simple relaxation techniques to some seriously cool treatments that could help them feel better.
Now, diving into the therapy pool can seem a bit overwhelming, but there's a flavour for everyone. Think of it like ice cream! There's CBT, which is all about helping them tackle and change those anxious thoughts. Then there's mindfulness, which is kinda like mental yoga - helping them stay present and chill. And that's just scratching the surface. Each therapy has its own magic, so a bit of research or a chat with someone in the know could steer you in the right direction. On our instagram page, we issue weekly tips on Mondays that are addressed to improving and instilling mindfulness in kids, so be sure to check it out!
The big takeaway? It's all about feeling right. Make sure both you and your little one feel super comfy with whatever solution you choose. It's a journey, but with the right guide, you and your kid(s) will be on a smoother path in no time!
Key takeaways
Sometimes children get anxious, and it's not just about being shy or having a bad day. They might seem restless, like they're running on empty, or they're tossing and turning all night. Notice them suddenly disliking their favourite pizza or mysteriously having headaches? Could be anxiety. And if your little one is dodging fun stuff they used to love, or gets a bit snappy out of the blue, that's a red flag too. Ever seen them get all tangled up in their thoughts, can't focus on homework, or blow tiny things out of proportion? Yep, classic signs. But don't stress, there's hope! Giving them a hand in reshaping those gloomy thoughts can make a world of difference. So keep an eye out, and remember, a little chat can go a long way.
