Steps Parents Can Take to Address a Child's Anxiety

By Anya Willis

Children are a gift to us, and it’s natural to want them to know only happiness. Unfortunately, there may be challenges to that. If you suspect your child may be suffering from anxiety, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to help them overcome it and feel more joyful. Read on for insight from The World of Kidtropolis.

Understanding Anxiety

As our understanding of mental health expands, so too does our knowledge of different anxiety disorders. In fact, generalized anxiety may be a sign of a larger disorder, such as OCD, PTSD, or panic disorder. Given this, it's important to be aware of behaviors that may indicate your child is experiencing anxiety routinely. If you notice skin picking or biting, excessive tantrums, difficulty sleeping, repetitive nail and cheek biting or joint cracking, your child might have an anxiety disorder.

Similarly, look out for signs of stress, too, particularly if your child is still learning remotely. These signs can be a desire to keep things symmetrical and ordered, overt disgust of germs, or excessive grooming habits. By doing so, you can keep a watchful eye on their emotional well-being.

Look for Potential Causes

While largely still a mystery, there are theories as to why certain individuals, including children, suffer from anxiety. Studies suggest genetics may be one of the key causes, but factors like external stress and diet can also have an effect. Even something as ordinary as being overscheduled for too many after school activities or spending too much time on social media can negatively impact a child’s mental health. Overstimulation creates stress, especially for little ones, so do what you can to keep them from being overwhelmed by intensive schedules.

Know How the Gut Affects Mood

A surprising aspect of anxiety relates to the gut. A lack of good bacteria in our guts not only contributes to poor health, it can limit serotonin production—the body’s natural mood enhancer— therefore making us more likely to develop negative emotions. So, to ensure your child has a better shot at mood stability, give them foods with live cultures, and encourage them to take a probiotic daily. Also, while they’re important when our little ones are very ill, do what you can to limit antibiotic usage, as these can kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad.

Redirect Anxious Thinking

Anxious thoughts can seem impossible to banish and can repeat as if on a loop. If your child suffers from that, one of the best things you can do is to help them redirect their thoughts. After all, they may not understand that they cannot do anything about a situation causing them stress at that moment. Instead, bring their attention to distracting activities, like shaking the stress out before a walk or listening to music. Likewise, ask them questions to get them thinking of something unrelated, but keep things positive to avoid triggering further stress.

Take Steps at Home

Just like being overscheduled, a harried and chaotic environment can also contribute to your child’s anxiety. Take the time to look at your family’s routines, perhaps there are some changes you can make to slow life down a bit. Even nominal changes like getting everything ready the night before can make mornings easier to manage.

Look around the house too. Beyond your child’s bedroom, is there a space where they can retreat or feel peaceful? For example, a decluttered nook with a positive vibe that’s all their own can be an especially helpful place where they’re able to withdraw and find some peace.

Find Safe Ways to Confront It

Fear can be a trigger for anxiety, especially in children. However, the last thing you want to do is force a child to confront a fear when they feel they can’t, or to belittle their emotions over something you don’t find alarming. Rather, let them express themselves freely, and reassure them that you understand. Then, once they are calm, talk about why they might be afraid, and see if you can determine an underlying cause.

Sometimes, these fears can be addressed and overcome, such as helping them prep for a project in front of a class. Other times, the fear is irrational—for example, they might be terrified of parents passing away unexpectedly—and only comfort will be practical. Try to figure out the best and safest way to help your child get past these thoughts.

Anxiety can be a difficult subject, particularly when all we want is to be there for our little ones and make them happy. However, by staying calm and giving them the love and support they need, you can help them face their fears. Together, you can aid them as they overcome any obstacle life throws their way.

This article is brought to you by Kidtropolis, an 18,000 sf, interactive Pretend City model and indoor playground, designed to provide a safe, unique and realistic educational environment for kids to Pretend Play. For more information, contact us today!