How to Relieve Anxiety in Kids
Anxiety can be a detrimental condition to anyone, but children are especially fragile. It can cause problems in school, at home and in their social life. Learning how to recognize and relieve anxiety in children could mean the difference between a carefree childhood and a painful upbringing.
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Instructions
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Become aware of stress triggers in your child's life. A death in the family, moving and divorce can all become catalysts for anxiety in adults, and possibly even more so in children. Talk with your children whenever difficult times arise so that you can work through their issues together.
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Research the symptoms of anxiety to figure out if your child might be inflicted. (The National Institute for Mental Health's website where you can learn the signs of anxiety, such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), eating disorders, depression, and more.
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Prepare for changes by allowing the child to adapt to a new environment a little bit at a time. When moving, take the child to visit the new neighborhood or city a few times before you make the final move. Start new daily routines a little bit at a time if divorce or separation is inevitable. Allow the child time to gradually get used to change.
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Compliment your child when she does something well. Be sure to give positive reinforcement as often as possible.
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Lead by example. Teach your child strong coping mechanisms by using them yourself. Take timeouts to clear your head, count to ten when you become frustrated, and read inspirational quotes or passages to keep your attitude upbeat. Learn more coping mechanisms at allaboutlifechanges.org.
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Have your child evaluated by a health care professional. Learning what level of anxiety your child has will determine the length and strength of the treatment. Outpatient therapy and medication will go a long way for most children, while some may require more intense inpatient therapy.
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Learn about the different types of anxiety at mayoclinic.org. Knowing about the different forms of anxiety (general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, etc.) will enable you to ask your child the right questions, and narrow down possible diagnoses and treatment options.
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