How to help decrease your child’s anxiety?
If your child has anxiety, he or she is not alone. In the United States, it is the most common mental health condition, impacting more than 40 million adults and 4.4 million children. Given these numbers, you may find yourself asking a common question: What can I do?
Fortunately, there has been substantial research in the past few decades. As a result, doctors and psychologists at depression and anxiety treatment centers Utah now have a better idea of how the condition works from a clinical perspective. Based on research findings, here are 10 ways you can help decrease your child’s anxiety.
Help confront the fears
Although many people have fears, avoiding them is not something that decreases anxiety. On the contrary, facing fear is often more likely to help anxious responses naturally decrease over time.
Allow for imperfection
When your child understands that it is okay not to be perfect, he or she will feel less pressure to demonstrate perfection in sports, school, and other similar activities. While you want him or her to succeed, too much pressure can be unnecessary and harmful.
Look at the bright side
When someone struggles with anxiety, it can be easy for him or her to get lost in negative self-criticism. To help prevent this, encourage your child to focus on the positive aspects of situations.
Make time for winding down
At the end of the day, kids need time to calm down and relax. Sometimes, fun activities can become stressful if there is too much pressure involved. Make sure to create playful environments.
Take care of yourself
When you model self-care, your child will notice. Mothers and fathers have a substantial impact on their children. When your son or daughter sees you thinking positively and taking care of yourself, he or she will know what to do.
Reward bravery
Whenever your child faces his or her fears, you should reward the behavior. It does not have to be something big, but even a simple hug or “Nice job!” can do more good than you might realize.
Help express feelings
Another way to help reduce his or her anxiety is by encouraging your child to express him or herself in healthy ways like having a conversation with you. When doing this, make sure you let them know you are listening.
Help problem solve
Similarly, it can be productive for parents to help children problem solve after they have validated the anxious feelings. Ask him or her questions, and ask which solution might be best. This is a good way to start brainstorming together.
Demonstrate remaining calm
When your child sees you remaining calm in stressful situations, it will signal to him or her how to act when he or she is in similar events. To reduce your son or daughter’s anxiety, you must manage and reduce your own first.
Practice breathing exercises together
Another solid way to help your child decrease anxious thoughts is by practicing breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques together. There is a physiological aspect to anxiety, and slow, deep breaths can significantly help.
If you are a parent with a child who has anxiety, there are many ways to help.