COPING WITH CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

COPING WITH CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

It is normal for children to feel worried or anxious to a certain extent. For example first day of school or moving to a new area. As a parent you can help your child cope with anxious situations.

ANXIETY SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN:

become irritable, tearful or clingy

• have difficulty sleeping

• wake in the night

• start wetting the bed

• have bad dreams

In older children you may notice that they:

lack confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges

• find it hard to concentrate

• have problems with sleeping or eating

• have angry outbursts

• have a lot of negative thoughts, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen

• start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to school

COMMON ANXIETY PROBLEMS

 Separation anxiety is very common in children around the ages of 6 months to 3 years. They often become clingy and cry when you leave. For example, when children start to go to childcare or preschool. In time and with reassurance that you always return to get them helps them become reassured and grow out of this stage.

 Preschool children may develop a fear of dogs or other animals, bugs, storms, and the dark. This is normal and usually goes away on its own.

 Some children are very shy and may fear certain social situations.

 Children often find change difficult and may become anxious following a house move or when starting a new school.

 Children who have had a distressing or traumatic experience, such as a car accident or house fire, may suffer from anxiety afterwards.

 Family arguments and conflict can also make children feel insecure and anxious.

Children can feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up.
From the age of around 6 months to 3 years it's very common for young children to have separation anxiety. They may become clingy and cry when separated from their parents. This is a normal stage in a child's development and should stop at around age 2 to 3.
It's also common for preschool-age children to develop specific fears or phobias. Common fears in early childhood include animals, insects, storms, heights, water, blood, and the dark. These fears usually go away gradually on their own.

There may also be other times in a child's life when they feel anxious. For example, many children feel anxious when going to a new school or before tests and exams. Some children feel shy in social situations and may need support with this.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

There are things that you can do as a parent to help your child.
 Talk with your child about what makes them anxious. Try pinpoint exactly what is causing the anxiety.

 Let them know you how they feel. Do not minimize their feelings.

 Let them know that anxiety and worry can cause physical effects on their bodies. For example: Anxiety can be the cause for their nightmares or stomachache.

 When talking to your child discuss with them possible solutions. For example, if your child is worried about going to a sleepover, it is natural to want to tell them not to go. However, this could mean your child feels that their anxiety will stop them from doing things. It's better to recognize their anxiety and suggest solutions to help them, so they can go to the sleepover with a plan in place.

 teach your child to recognize signs of anxiety in themselves

 encourage your child to manage their anxiety and ask for help when they need it

 children of all ages find routines reassuring, so try to stick to regular daily routines where possible

 if your child is anxious because of distressing events, such as a death in the family or separation, look for books or films that will help them to understand their feelings

 if you know a change, such as a house move, is coming up, prepare your child by talking to them about what is going to happen and why

 try not to become overprotective or anxious yourself

 practice simple relaxation techniques with your child, such as taking 3 deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of 3 and out for 3.

 distraction can be helpful for young children. For example, if they are anxious about going to nursery, play games on the way there, such as seeing who can spot the most red cars

 turn an empty tissue box into a "worry" box. Get your child to write about or draw their worries and "post" them into the box. Then you can sort through the box together at the end of the day or week

WHEN TO GET HELP

If your child's anxiety is severe, persists, and interferes with their everyday life, it's a good idea to get some help. Talk with your pediatrician when anxiety becomes severe