Navigating Anxiety with your Child
As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel overwhelming and leave you uncertain about how best to support them. While anxiety is common among children, navigating it can be challenging, especially when they’re unsure how to express their worries. But taking any step, no matter how small, can make a difference. Starting with a compassionate approach and understanding their fears can be instrumental in helping your child feel more secure and supported.
Take Action – Any Step Is Better Than None
When it comes to addressing anxiety, doing something is always better than doing nothing. One of the first things to do is to try and understand the root of your child’s worries. Often, we may assume we know what’s causing their anxiety, or we may project our own worries onto them. Instead, approach the conversation with curiosity, making an effort to truly listen and understand.
Breaking Down Their Worries
If your child expresses a general worry, such as “I’m worried about school,” it can be helpful to break down that concern into more manageable parts. Broad worries often hide specific issues that may feel overwhelming to your child. Try asking questions that address different aspects of their school experience. Here are a few examples:
- “Do you feel worried about getting to school?”
- “Are there any concerns about your lessons?”
- “How do you feel about break time or lunch time?”
- “Is there anything about your friends that worries you?”
Encouraging them to think through specific situations can help them pinpoint the exact cause of their anxiety. This way, both of you can tackle each worry individually, making them feel more manageable.
Writing It Down
Once your child starts identifying their specific worries, jot them down. Having a visual list can be empowering for both of you. It gives you a clear starting point and allows your child to see their worries in an organized way. This approach can also help them feel that they’re not facing their fears alone and that you’re there to guide them through.
Categorised as: Anxiety