Strategies for Supporting a Child with Anxiety: Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Anxiety is a serious mental health condition that affects many children and adolescents.
As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to see your child struggling with feelings of worry, distress and fear. However, there are things you can do to support your child and help them manage their symptoms.
Here are some strategies for supporting a child with anxiety:
Notice triggers and validate feelings: Children are often able to identify that they are worried or anxious, but they may have a tough time determining what provoked those feelings. This is when they may need your help in noticing what triggers their anxious symptoms. However, please remember that the purpose is to be more aware and to validate feelings, not to avoid these triggers (or feelings).
Identify coping skills and practice often: Some children report that they do not like deep breathing, while others have a hard time with mindfulness exercises. There are many kinds of coping skills, and children are typically able to identify the strategies that they prefer. Once they’ve identified 3-5 strategies, practicing 3-5 times per week while calm, can really help them to feel comfortable using the strategies. The more comfortable your child feels during practice, the more willing and able they will be to use the strategies when they are feeling anxious.
Promote healthy habits: Encourage your child to engage in healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep. It may sound rudimentary, but these habits can help improve their mood and overall well-being.
Seek professional help: Perhaps you are already doing many of the things on this list and you still feel like you are struggling to help with your child’s anxious feelings. If so, then meeting with a mental health professional can be beneficial in developing a comprehensive plan to address these concerns.
Remember, supporting a child with anxiety can be challenging, but with practical strategies and resources, you can help your child manage their symptoms and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
