Little Loving Lessons
Childrens Books By Amanda Nelson and Kimberly Tipton
Anxiety In Children
Anxiety in children is common, yet often misunderstood because it can show up in many ways. Identifying the signs early is essential for helping children manage their anxiety. Understanding how anxiety affects kids and recognizing the symptoms can make a big difference in how parents support their children.
Signs And Symptoms
Anxiety can come in many forms and present differently with different people. In children, it can vary even more. Anxiety may stem from being in a new environment, being around new people, doing a non-preferred activity, being separated from a parent, and more.
Symptoms may include avoidance of situations, people, and places, irritability, sleep disturbances, racing heart, sweaty palms, stomachache, feeling nauseous, and more. Every child will show signs of anxiety in different ways at different times.
How to Help
As a parent, you can support your child and help lessen their feelings of anxiety by offering reassurance, understanding, and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions. There are many effective strategies, such as open communication, preparing them for potentially stressful situations, and teaching them coping skills to manage their anxiety.
Step One
Start by having a conversation with your child about why they are feeling worried or anxious.
Step Two
Prepare your child for whatever may make them feel anxious by giving cues and reminders (EX: Remember, we have to go to the community event tomorrow…).
Step Three
Make a plan to help your child handle their anxiety when in those situations. This can include self regulation and coping skills, as well as time limits on how long _____ (situation, activity, etc.) will last.
Step Four
Practice coping skills and self regulation while at home or in a comfortable environment to ensure your child has the skills to handle their big feelings when in the moment
Step Five
Talk with your child afterward to see how they handled their feelings and adjust your plan as needed.
Case example
Background: A child is feeling anxious about starting at a new school, stating they didn’t sleep well the previous night and have a stomachache. They ask to stay home from school.
Parent: Remember, school starts next week/This Monday/Tomorrow! (Reminders).
Child: Mommy, I don’t want to go to school, I’m tired and my tummy hurts. (physical symptoms of avoidance, sleep disturbance and stomachache)
Parent: I understand you’re not feeling great and you may be nervous to start at this new school, but you still need to go
Child: But I don’t want to! I want to go back to my old school! I had friends there! I won’t know anybody here! (Irritable mood)
Parent: It’s the beginning of the school year and there will be other new students, just like you. You will be able to make new friends there. Let’s practice a coping skill together that you can use at school if you start feeling too anxious, okay? (Make a plan & practice coping skills in a comfortable environment)
Child: Okay.
Parent: Breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, breathe out for 5 seconds. (Practice coping skills
*Parent and child practice the coping skill together.*
Parent: You can use that in school when you start feeling nervous or anxious and nobody will even notice you’re doing it. Your first day will be great!
Addressing anxiety in children requires understanding and proactive support from parents. By recognizing the signs early, having open conversations, and teaching coping strategies, parents can help their children manage anxiety in a healthy way. With time and practice, children can develop the tools they need to overcome anxious feelings and face new situations with confidence.