Helping Children Cope with Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide

Children can be fearful occasionally, but if your child is experiencing frequent episodes of anxiousness, your child could have anxiety. Your pediatrician can help.

So, how can you tell if your child needs help with anxiety issues? These are a few of the signs your child may have an anxiety disorder:

• Your child is fearful when separated from you
• Your child is very fearful about encounters or going somewhere
• Your child is very fearful about going to school and interacting with other students
• Your child is worried about the future because bad events might happen

An anxiety disorder can have physical effects too. During an anxiety episode, your child may experience:

• An increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Feelings of dizziness, shakiness, or sweating profusely

There are some important steps you can take to help manage your child’s anxiety. You should teach your child to:

• Practice deep breathing techniques
• Use positive self-talk when trying something new
• Think of a place where they feel safe
• Face their fears by gradual exposure to those fears

You should also set aside time to talk with your child about what makes your child fearful or worried. Praise your child often to boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Visiting the pediatrician is an important part of anxiety management. Your pediatrician may recommend:

• Medication therapy to limit feelings of anxiety
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help your child reframe fearful thoughts
• Behavioral therapy to help your child learn to not fear new events or situations
• Family therapy to encourage family members to support your child when he or she is anxious
• Lifestyle modification to help your child feel less stressed