How to Help Kids With Anxiety

There are many possible triggers of anxiety in kids: attending school for the first time, low self-confidence in social settings, being separated from one's parents and other new situations. Children with anxiety often do not know how to react appropriately, so they may be withdrawn, upset or even aggressive at times. Helping kids with anxiety problems, though, will teach them to deal with their fears and problems effectively.

Instructions

Role Playing

1. Role-play to help children understand anxiety by first finding pictures of children in magazines or books who have anxious or worried expressions. Point these out to your child to begin the activity.

2. Ask your child what the other children in the pictures are thinking or feeling. This will probably be difficult for your kid to grasp, so give him or her options. For example, ask if the picture is showing an anxious or happy expression.

3. Explain that the picture you have pointed out is showing a kid with anxiety and talk through how he or she might deal with whatever problem is being faced. Offer real solutions as examples for your child to learn what to do about anxiety. Provide concrete actions such as finding an adult or parent to help.

Other Solutions

1. Train your child in positive self-talk solutions to help him or her when experiencing anxiety. Explain the importance of "I" statements, such as "I can get through this," or "I'll do my very best no matter what happens." Help your child to recognize when he or she is feeling down or anxious about certain situations, and explain that positive thinking will help.

2. Teach your child deep-breathing exercises that promote relaxation. Model this behavior by showing how to inhale deeply through the nose and exhale fully through the mouth. Explain that this technique should be used whenever your child feels anxious. Kids with anxiety can often benefit from the physical relaxation effects as well as the mental benefits that deep breathing exercises promote.

3. Help your child improve his or her problem-solving skills and abilities in order to relieve anxiety. Think of actions that can be taken (i.e. telling a teacher about a school bully, completing homework on time, etc.) that will solve the problem and remove the anxiety that your child is feeling. Explain to your child the importance of finding solutions whenever there is a problem.

4. Take your child to see a professional counselor or therapist if his or her anxiety does not improve. Depending on the age of the child, counseling or psychotherapy combined with anti-anxiety medication may be appropriate.

References

• AACAP
• Self-help Magazine