How to Help Children Manage Anxiety
How to Help Your Child Struggling with Anxiety
As a counselor, I am often asked by friends and acquaintances what to do for a child who seems to be struggling with anxiety. Really, I think the question is sourced more from the pain of seeing their child struggle and a desperation to quickly fix it. We want the "how to" guide, and we want quick results. Well, to be honest, you may not like what I'm about to say. The "fix" is not quick, and you can expect challenges. The good part is that something can certainly be done to help your child.
When I have answered this question in the past, I always try to get a quick assessment of all contributing factors before offering my wisdom. Typically, I suggest the easier-to-digest, practical bits of advice first: be mindful of sleeping and eating habits. Kids are growing at rapid rates, and their bodies, minds, and souls need proper nourishment. Be mindful of social influences. Even at elementary ages, kids can be greatly impacted by peers. Learn helpful and effective skills to calm the nervous system and teach them to your child: breathwork, taking a walk, quiet time, reduce screen exposure as much as possible, etc. There might be one or two other things I sprinkle in there depending on each individual situation.
But here's what you really need to know. This is the hard part to hear.
I certainly can't say always, but from my experience, children who are struggling with anxiety are being raised by one or both parents who are also very anxious themselves, and/or the chaos in the home outweighs the peace. This is certainly not to make you feel bad or add pressure to the already demanding job of parenting. It is simply to help you take a minute to self-reflect. Children feed off the energy in the home; they do not create it. Are you at peace, or are you operating out of internal chaos?
The chaos doesn't have to continue, within you or your home. Reach out with questions or if it's time to get something scheduled.
Reach me at hello@emmaorthel.com.