Anxiety can negatively impact kids’ ability to socialize and succeed academically. Parental support is essential to improving outcomes, especially during emotionally tumultuous times. The good news is that there are many steps parents can take, from looking into Brillia for anxiety to teaching their kids coping techniques.
Recognize Anxiety Signs
Depending on their ages, kids may not have the cognitive facilities to recognize their anxiety, identify the cause and ask for help. It’s up to parents to teach them these skills, and the first is recognizing symptoms:
- Feeling physically unwell, specifically stomachaches
- Frequent toilet use
- Lack of appetite
- Bad dreams or insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
Kids experiencing a panic attack may also feel their hearts racing or be short of breath. These sensations can be frightening, but understanding the cause can ease children’s fear. Parents should watch for these signs of anxiety and teach their kids to recognize them as natural body signals that require attention.
Anxiety Reducing Techniques
OTC anxiety meds can decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms, but it’s still important for kids to learn how to calm themselves. While some children eventually outgrow anxiety, it’s a lifelong condition for others. Teaching coping techniques early instills children with a sense of control and the ability to self-soothe as they become independent.
Many effective anxiety-reducing techniques are fairly easy to teach children, even those in elementary school. Finding which works best takes trial and error, so it may take some time for children to fill their “anxiety-reducing toolbox.”
Meditation
Meditation is an incredible tool for reducing anxiety and stress. It’s also easy and fun for kids to learn.
While advanced meditation students can practice for long periods of time, you only need a few minutes to soothe worried thoughts. Meditation is a mindfulness practice that focuses on being present in the moment and your body. Many anxiety triggers involve hypotheticals, so taking oneself out of that mindset can stop the body’s flood of adrenaline.
Even preschoolers can learn to meditate, so don’t be afraid to start early. The following are excellent practices for young beginners:
- Counting breaths
- Naming surrounding sounds, smells and sights
- Listening to a guided meditation
- Walking around the backyard
- Purposefully relaxing muscles
Scenario Discussions
New experiences are a common trigger for anxiety. Your kids may be anxious before a class presentation, visiting a new place or meeting new people. Anxiety often leads to catastrophizing, which is assuming the worst-case scenario. Catastrophizing increases feelings of fear, leading to a downward spiral.
Parents can teach their kids to interrupt this spiral with “what if” questions. What if you make a mistake during the presentation? Come up with a plan your child can follow if this happens:
- Take a deep breath.
- Look at your notes.
- Start again slowly.
Walking through these scenarios teaches kids how to adapt to situations and stop worried thoughts.
Getting child anxiety medication over the counter, looking for signs your child is anxious and practicing coping techniques are all crucial to helping young people manage their symptoms. With patience and empathy, parents can support their kids through the natural ups and downs of school.
