Kids with Anxiety: Ways to Help Them Cope

Mother and Daugther Holding Mugs
Anxiety during childhood can be scary and gets worse if not handled the right way. While it is wise to consult a professional to help your kid manage anxiety in a healthy way, you can still do various things to help them cope.

The best technique is the one that works for your child. You have to try out different ones to help them find the right one. Moreover, your child should know that there is nothing wrong with them if they are feeling anxious.

Ways to Help Children with Anxiety

Here are some of the tips to help kids with anxiety:

1. Help Them Slow Down

Encouraging your child to slow down and take deep breaths can help calm down the physical effects of anxiety. Try practicing together. Breath in for three seconds, hold for three seconds and exhale.

When they get calmer, ask them about what is worrying them and talk through it.

2. Try Relaxation Activities Together

Add at least one relaxation activity in your kid’s daily routine, like medication, yoga, or mindfulness. Try them out together and see what works for them. When they get into the habit, they will be able to use the relaxation technique whenever they get anxious.

3. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Showing your child how to manage anxiety and emotions works better than just telling them. Every time you get anxious or stress in front of them, use it as a teaching opportunity.

Talk about how you are coping. This might not just help your child but could help you handle the situation better.

4. Identify the Triggers

Recognizing signs that can trigger their anxiety is another effective way to help them manage it. It might be because of schoolwork or any change happening in their life. Anxiety might make the heart race or make them nauseous.

5. Talk About Difficult Things

Many kids get anxious hearing or thinking about terrorism, war, death, and other things. Have a discussion with them to talk about their fears and answer their questions. Avoid sugarcoating anything as this could backfire.

Signs Your Anxious Child Need Professional Help

While you can help your child cope with anxiety through these tips, you should consult a professional if their anxiety is severe and not getting better. Here are some of the signs that indicate your child needs an expert:

  • The anxiety is interfering with activities and disrupting the household
  • Your child is upset various times in a day
  • The intensity and frequency of fear escalate, like tantrums, yelling, meltdowns, etc.
  • Your child is consistently and continually using avoidance behavior
  • Your child is facing difficulties in interacting with others
  • Sleep habits have been disrupted
  • Your child is experiencing panic attacks that are characterized by hyperventilation, nausea, sweating, and heart palpitations

If you notice any of these signs in your child, take them to a therapist immediately.

Help your child understand that many people, including adults, deal with anxiety and that there are ways to cope with them. The important thing is that your child should know you are there for them. If the anxiety is getting worse and nothing is helping with your child’s anxiety, it is integral that you consult a professional.

Mt. Elizabeth Academy works hard to provide students with the mental health support they need to handle the stressors of everyday life. Our daycare also offers after-school programs, summer camps, infant care, childcare, pre-K early learning, and other early learning activities for families in Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, Brookstone, and other areas.

Get in touch with us today for more information.