How to Support an Anxious Child

Anxiety levels are high in the world at the moment. Feelings of anxiety can be contagious, and children are feeling it just as much as we are.

When helping your child navigate and manage their anxiety, these 4 steps can help;

1. Calm. When distressed, your child will not be able to access the logical thinking part of their brain, so it is best to wait until they are calm before trying anything. You know your child best and what they need to feel a sense of calm again. This might sound like “I’m right here if you need a hug. I’m going to stay with you until you’re feeling a little better.”

2. Validate. It is important for children to feel heard, safe and loved. Reassure them of this and let them know you understand their feelings. This might sound like “I know this feels hard. It is okay to feel anxious. You are safe and I am right here with you. I love you.”

3. Talk. Encourage them to name their emotions and what anxiety feels like for them (e.g. tight body, shaky hands, hot and sweaty). This can help you both to recognise anxiety in the future.

4. Problem solve. When they are calm and ready, you can begin problem solving and come up with some ideas together to help them manage their anxiety and gain control. This may be practicing breathing techniques or mindfulness exercises, giving them a comfort item to hold on to like a toy or blanket, or speaking to their teaches at school to make sure they have some extra support in place. This step will look different depending on how old your child is.

Anxiety can be really hard for both child and caregiver, and although it may take time to manage, it’s important to be consistent with the steps you take.

Small things done consistently can make all the difference in supporting your anxious child and can help to give you both a sense of control again.