Whilst most children never suffer anxiety others seem to take everything to heart and begin to feel anxious in all sorts of situations. Fortunately the problems that adults have are not yet an area that children should feel anxiety about. In the areas where they do start to show problems we need to handle the situation very carefully!
Where does Anxiety Come From in Children
Looking at the cause is really the place to start. There may be areas of their upbringing that could do with being changed in some way to help eliminate anxiety now and for later on in life.
Children can become anxious and fearful in situations where they’re taught to feel that way. They’re also very intuitive and can pick up on the emotions of others. If you’re acting fearful and afraid in a certain situation, they may learn to have the same behavior without even realizing it.
Children can also learn anxiety from media sources such as television, movies, or video games. For example, TV shows and video games that are meant for older children or adults often contain scenes of suspense, horror or violence that can severely frighten a young child. As a result, they can develop many anxieties from it.
How to Overcome Anxieties
Once a child has anxieties, there are many avenues to consider for treatment. What works for one child may not work for another. Just keep searching for a solution that works for you and your family.
Here are some strategies you can use to help your child overcome their anxieties:
1. Help your child relax. A child will feel anxiety when they’re stressed. Explore different options for helping your child relax, then allow them to enjoy these relaxing games or hobbies. The activity you choose may be different for every child, or different depending on the day.
2. Find a distraction. When your child feels anxious all of a sudden, do something to distract them from the situation at hand. If you’re out in public and they start to panic, perhaps you can engage them in a conversation about something they like or distract them with a toy or something of interest in your surroundings. If you’re at home, try a fun game.
3. Avoid pushing your children. You might find that you’re pushing your child to behave a certain way without ever realizing it. It’s more common than you think! Be positive around your child and free them from unnecessary pressure.
* If you need to make a change, do it gradually so it isn’t shocking to the child.
4. Schedule “worry time.” This activity works well for adult anxieties too. Schedule a time during the day that is designated “worry time,” where your child can worry and vent. Your job is to listen to your child and help them sort out their feelings.
* This technique is also helpful because, when a child is worrying, you can tell them that they’re allowed to worry but they just need to wait for the designated time. They may not even feel worried anymore when the time comes.
5. Build confidence. Help your child build their confidence. When you’re feeling confident, it’s difficult to feel anxious or scared. If your child begins to feel confident instead of anxious, they’ll begin to have a positive attitude about themselves. This will also help them when they’re faced with fearful situations again in the future.
When you help your child learn how to overcome anxieties while they’re young, you also teach them an important skill that will be of great benefit for the rest of their life. Not only will they have a happier childhood, but they’ll also be a stronger, more confident, and happier adult.