12 Different ways to help your child cope with anxiety
Kids anxiety can come from a host of different things-from a school exam to an upcoming family vacation. Figuring out what exactly is causing the anxiety can be a challenge, but there are a number of ways to help kids cope with their anxious feelings. Here are 12 of the most effective Anxiety coping skills for kids;
1. Schedule relaxing activities.
This is a great way to help kids cope with anxiety. Kids will feel less anxious if they know that they have something fun to look forward to after a particularly stressful day at school. Encourage your kids to spend some time doing the things that make them happy every day-for instance, play video games with his or her friends or go for a bike ride. This has a lot of benefits in helping kids cope with anxiety-it takes the focus off their problems, involving them in something they enjoy doing, and gives them a chance to decompress after a hard day at school.
2. Help your kids be prepared for what comes next.
Kids who know what to expect from one day to the next tend not to be quite as anxious about things as kids who don't have a clear schedule of what lies ahead of them. Instead of having your kids sitting around waiting for certain things to happen, take the initiative and tell them ahead of time what activities are planned for that day. This gives kids a sense of control over what happens in their lives, and it makes them more confident about the future.
3. Distract your child from worrying about his or her problems.
Distraction is another way to help kids deal with anxiety. Try suggesting some games or watching an old favorite movie on television to get your child's mind off of their troubles for a little while, but don't forget to praise your child when they do well at whatever they are doing-this helps them feel good about themselves, which can help reduce their stress levels.
4. Listen to your child's complaints and worries.
Kids like to know that they have someone to confide in, especially when they are anxious or worried about something. When your child comes to you with their problems, talk with them about what troubles them and try to find a solution together with them. Encourage your kids to come up with their own ideas as well, even if these ideas seem impractical or silly-this will help them work through their problems themselves instead of leaving it up to you to do all of the work for them.
5. Make time for family activities.
Anxiety can be exacerbated in children who feel as if their families don't spend a lot of time together. Make sure that you're always available for family game night, family outings, and other fun activities. Kids who get to participate in fun things with their families are less likely to be anxious about anything else-this is because spending time with the people they love is something that brings them a great deal of pleasure, and it's nice for them to know how important the people around them are.
6. Get your child involved in volunteer work or community service programs.
Sometimes kids get so caught up in their own problems that they forget about everyone else's problems. By getting your child involved in activities that help other people, he or she will be reminded of the importance of helping others and will feel a sense of satisfaction from their actions. This can help them overcome their feelings of anxiety about the future.
7. Encourage your kids to find something to smile about.
While staying focused on problems is important, it's also important to focus on the good in life-this can help kids overcome their negative feelings and make them happier overall. Explain to your kids that there is significant value in being positive and putting a smile on their faces.
8. Encourage your children to develop relationships with others.
While it's important for kids to spend time with family members, it's just as important for them to spend time with other people as well-this can help ensure that they have plenty of friends and enjoy meeting new people who are like them. It also helps them learn how to relate to other people and figure out what it means to be a part of a community.
9. Help your children actively participate in their own treatment plans.
Providing your child with a thorough treatment plan for anxiety will help them understand the process of therapy and give them the tools necessary to help themselves cope with their problems. Encourage your children to meet with their therapist every few weeks, even if they are reluctant or overtly resistant at first, so that they can get some control over the things that happen in their lives.
10. Reward your child's brave behaviors.
This is another way to help kids cope with anxiety. Look for positive behaviors from your child and reward them when they are assertive, caring and show good decision-making skills. This teaches your children what they should do when they feel anxious so that they can help themselves in the future.
11. Encourage good sleep hygiene.
Kids who are sleep-deprived are more likely to experience anxiety, so make sure that they go to bed at a reasonable hour and get enough sleep every night. This will help them feel better, and it may even reduce some psychological issues that might be causing the anxiety in the first place.
12. Make time for outdoor activities.
This can be an effective way to help kids cope with anxiety because it involves physical activity and excitement-two things that children need when they are feeling anxious about any aspect of their lives. Encourage your kids to go outside daily in the summer months and enjoy hiking or going swimming in a pool instead of staying indoors all day.
The above are some ways in which you can help your kids overcome their anxiety by giving them something to do or by helping them relax. If you're having trouble finding a way to help your child, talk with your doctor about the possibility of an anxiety medication that could help him or her cope with the issues that are causing them to feel anxious in the first place.
Recommended Resources:
Below are some recommendations to help your child with anxiety. There are examples for different age groups below.
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