5 Strategies for Managing Anxiety in Children
The commitment of Reframe Counseling as a service provider is to assure parents of the top-notch and quality mental health counseling service for children and teens located in the Western Wake County area.
In today’s article, learn about children with anxiety, spotting signs of anxiety in children, how to some physical symptoms, and ways how can we, as parents or guardians, learn more about what we can do in order to help manage our child’s feelings.
There are different ways of managing anxiety in children, here we’ll be talking about different techniques, positive self-talk, changes in lifestyle habits, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and social support.
Strategy 1: Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be done in a variety of ways depending on the personal preference of your child. It can be in the form of breathing exercises, visualization, or guided meditation. These techniques usually range from quick short exercises to hour-long activities.
Some examples of such techniques are doing yoga, walking meditations, getting a massage, or even trying out Tai Chi. These activities can encourage your child to be able to find their calm by being able to manage the thoughts and feelings that engage them.
For parents, it is important that you work together with your child and allow them to be comfortable with the environment in doing the exercise. Remember that they feel anxious but are very willing to learn to overcome it.
Strategy 2: Positive Self-Talk and Reframing
One of the most common types of anxiety disorders is social anxiety and separation anxiety. While this can be present in young children and older children, there are some symptoms of anxiety that parents much try to watch out for.
However, we can’t hear the thoughts of our anxious children, in these cases, it is always best to remind them about the importance of healthy and positive self-talk especially in times when self-criticism is a rampant thing in today’s younger generation.
Guide them to learn to create a peaceful environment for their relationships with themselves. This includes self-affirmation, being grateful for oneself, or understanding the gift one has.
Strategy 3: Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Another way that induces anxiety for an anxious child is through creating healthy lifestyle habits. Remember that building a healthy routine allows you to formulate systems and goals that you can always depend on, even on bad days. Simple habits such as exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition can instill values of disciple and patience with oneself.
As parents, habits are a product of constant repetition. Constantly encourage, remind them, or create a more habit-inducing environment by making it easier for children to stick to their habits.
Strategy 4: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
One of the most common and effective ways of therapy involves the Cognitive Behavioral Theory. It works by allowing children to talk about their thoughts and feelings and be able to reframe their thoughts and perceptions about them. Learning more about the different influences that affect your children and being able to reshape them, equips them with another way of addressing their problems or feelings.
For this strategy, it is best to refer the matter to experts as they have more proficiency in being able to read, understand, and navigate your child and their thoughts as there are certain complexities that may be involved.
Strategy 5: Social Support and Connection
Anxiety comes in different forms and expressions, however, despite the different ways that it manifests itself, having social support is definitely a foundation for making the environment much more peaceful for the child.
Allow them to interact with their friends by going out or playing games with them. Try to build a connection with your child through the different activities your child enjoys. Learning to understand them, can create a connection between you and your child that can be supportive.
By allowing them to interact with their friends, family, or even parents, your child may be able to learn to overcome their anxieties based on the emotional support that you are able to provide. Not only does this make them feel safe, but it allows them to have a reference point for their thoughts and feelings that may also involve you.
About Reframe Counseling
These are just some of the strategies that you can use and employ for your child that may be suffering from anxiety. Try to employ one or more ways enumerated to be able to learn what works best for your child. As each child has their own unique preferences, it is best to assess which method works best.
If your child’s anxiety is interfering with their daily life, it is important to seek professional help to be able to address the matter with the expertise involved. Reframe Counseling Services is committed to providing mental health counseling services for children and teens in the Western Wake County area. Feel free to contact us for consultations or inquiries.
