Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other
times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented
with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving
these issues is not something to be taken lightly...
How Children Form Anxieties
It may help to understand why children form anxieties in the first place:
perhaps as a result you will be able to change certain aspects of their care
that will make it less likely for them to develop anxieties in the future.
Conditioning:
Children can become anxious and fearful in situations where they're taught to
feel that way. They're also very intuitive and can pick up on the emotions of
others. If you're acting fearful and afraid in a certain situation, they may
learn to have the same behaviour without even realizing it.
Media:
Children can also learn anxiety from media sources such as television, movies,
or video games. For example, TV shows and video games that are meant for older
children or adults often contain scenes of suspense, horror or violence that can
severely frighten a young child.
Peer Group:
Sometimes teasing or bullying by a peer group can cause a child to feel anxious.
They might start to worry about certain aspects of their appearance, their
habitual behaviour, their mannerisms.
Living Up To Expectations:
A strident parent, grandparent, teacher or even older sibling can expect too
much of a child - whether they make their views clear, or even just imply them.
A child who feels he or she is "letting down" someone they respect or "not
living up to" expectations can become severely anxious.
How To Overcome Anxieties
Once a child has anxieties, there are many avenues to consider for treatment.
What works for one child may not work for another. Just keep searching for a
solution that works for you and your family.
Here are some strategies you can use to help your child overcome their
anxieties:
1. Help your child relax. A child will feel anxiety when they're
stressed. Explore different options for helping your child relax, then allow
them to enjoy these relaxing games or hobbies. The activity you choose may be
different for every child, or different depending on the day.
2. Find a distraction. When your child feels anxious all of a sudden, do
something to distract them from the situation at hand. If you're out in public
and they start to panic, perhaps you can engage them in a conversation about
something they like or distract them with a toy or something of interest in your
surroundings. If you're at home, try a fun game.
3. Avoid pushing your children. You might find that you're pushing your
child to behave a certain way without ever realizing it. It's more common than
you think! Be positive around your child and free them from unnecessary
pressure.
Remember, if you need to make a change, do it gradually so it isn't shocking to
the child.
4. Schedule "worry time." This activity works well for adult anxieties
too. Schedule a time during the day that is designated "worry time," where your
child can worry and vent. Your job is to listen to your child and help them sort
out their feelings. Some parents keep a "worry book" and dedicate a time to it
every night or every week, encouraging their child to draw or write in the book
to clear the air.
This technique is also helpful because, when a child is worrying, you can tell
them that they're allowed to worry but they just need to wait for the designated
time. They may not even feel worried anymore when the time comes.
5. Build confidence. Help your child build their confidence. When you're
feeling confident, it's difficult to feel anxious or scared. If your child
begins to feel confident instead of anxious, they'll begin to have a positive
attitude about themselves. This will also help them when they're faced with
fearful situations again in the future.
Confidence trick Ask your child to think of
someone they admire, someone who is confident in a similar situation. This
person could be another child or an adult that the child knows, or even a
fictional character or television or cartoon invention. Talk about how that
person stands, talks and reacts, then encourage your child to stand in the same
posture, talk with the same tone of voice, and play-act various different
scenarios in the way that you agree that the role-model would. Give your child's
invented character a name - "Super-Child" or "Can-Do-Katie" or some other
positive, motivating name. Now practise! Don't wait for an anxiety attack. At
various times during the day, ask your child, "What would Can-Do-Katie do right
now?" You might have to prompt, at first. "She'd stand up tall! She'd put back
her shoulders! She'd put a big smile on her face! She'd take a deep breath and
then she'd...." and so on!
When you help your child learn how to overcome anxieties while they're young,
you also teach them an important skill that will be of great benefit for the
rest of their life. Not only will they have a happier childhood, but they'll
also be a stronger, more confident, and happier adult.
Why books are a great birthday gift for children of all ages - and how to choose
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Forge A Relationship
With Your Children
Whatever we do with our kids when they are young will be absorbed and remembered
down the years, and every day you could be making good memories that will be
cherished for a lifetime. Make an effort to forge a relationship with your
children when they are young...
Not a Morning Person? Tips to Make Your Mornings Easier and More Productive
Are mornings the hardest part of your day? Sometimes it's tough to get yourself
going no matter how much sleep you've had. And if you need to get your family
dressed, fed, and out the door with books, backpacks, and briefcases intact, it
can often be a challenging and gruelling morning.
Dealing With Difficult People
If you're human, you're going to be dealing with difficult people from time to
time - whatever your age. You'll find them at work, at home, at school, or even
while out shopping. While you'll likely to solve a problem with a relative or
friend differently than a stranger, there are also some universal ways of
communicating effectively with difficult people. Teachers and parents can learn
these techniques themselves, and start to teach them to kids, too.
Help Your Child Cope With
Moving Away
If you must move a great distance, you can help your child adjust to the idea of
moving and how to cope with their new life. Your goal will be to eliminate
apprehension and fears and get your children excited about all the new
opportunities that await them.
How To Help Your Child
Overcome Anxiety
Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other
times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented
with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving
these issues is not something to be taken lightly...
Helping Your Child Adjust
To Divorce
Children are usually hit hard by divorce and may not be able to fully grasp the
subject, blaming themselves. The helpful news is that you can do a lot to get
your child through this tough time.
Frugal Family Entertainment - How to Have Low Cost Family Fun
In the first few months of the year, money can be tight for many families as
they tighten the purse strings after the holidays. There are some great ideas
for family activities which won't break the bank in the article below.
