How to Soothe Children with Anxiety
Everyone has experienced feelings of anxiety for different reasons. However, did you know that feelings of anxiety do not only occur in adults, but also in children? They can be anxious about certain things, such as having to face an exam, going to a new environment, or seeing their parents fight.
As a parent, it may not be easy to tell if your child is experiencing anxiety or not. Because often times, children are hesitant or embarrassed to express what they are feeling. However, if your child cries a lot, shuts down, avoids social contact, complains of stomachaches or headaches, often panics, and is constantly worried about something, then these could be signs that your child is experiencing anxiety.
You certainly will not allow your child to continue to experience anxiety, because it can interfere with daily activities, and even affect the relationship between the child and parents. Even if left untreated, anxiety can lead to depression in children. But the good news is, you can do something to help your child get rid of anxiety. Here are a few ways you can implement it.
Let your child get used to the things that make him uncomfortable
The first thing you need to remember in helping children deal with anxiety is, don’t spare children from things that make them anxious. This will only temporarily make your child feel better, but it can actually amplify that anxiety in the long run.
If your child is in a situation that makes them uncomfortable, so be it. This can help them learn to tolerate anxiety.
Be entertained with positive words, but still realistic
Providing reinforcement to children when they are anxious can help them cope with their anxiety. Phrases you can convey include, “Take it easy, you’ll be fine, really” or “You can handle it.”
Respect his feelings
When your child is anxious about something, you should not underestimate that feeling, you must respect it. One way to do it is to say, “I know you’re scared, but that’s okay. Mother is here with you, everything will be fine. “
Don’t amplify his anxiety
When you find out that your child is anxious, you can ask him how he is feeling. You are not encouraged to instigate a child’s fear by saying, “Hey, roaches!” or, “No, you’ll be bitten!” or phrases that trigger fear that eventually worries him when he sees cockroaches or dogs.
Give an example of coping well with anxiety
As a parent, you may prefer to hide the anxiety you feel in front of your child. In fact, showing anxiety in front of children is fine, as long as you show them how to deal with anxiety calmly. With that, you are indirectly teaching them how to manage anxiety.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.