Three steps parents can take to help kids cope with anxiety
Sleep issues, constant worries, tantrums and excessive crying are all signs of anxiety in children. Talk to our Plano pediatricians if your child is dealing with those issues. They can offer suggestions to help kids cope with anxiety. They can also look for physical problems or other issues that may be affecting your child.
Spend extra time with your child to help them work through their worries
Talk to your child about their fears and worries. Help them rehearse stressful situations, talking through what concerns them about an upcoming event. Discuss ways they can deal with the potential problem. Praise them for trying to get through a stressful scenario. Spending one-on- one time with your child is one of the best ways to help kids cope with anxiety.
Lifestyle choices can help children’s moods
Your child’s physical health affects their mental health. Helping kids develop a healthy lifestyle is a positive way to cope with anxiety in children. Here are some tips from our Plano pediatricians.
- Encourage physical activity. Sign your child up for a team sport or group class. Take them to the park or go for a bike ride together. One hour of physical activity each day can help kids cope with anxiety.
- Help your child get enough sleep. Encourage young children to get nine to 12 hours of sleep each night. Talk to your teens about aiming for eight to 10 hours. Help them develop good nighttime habits, such as turning off devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Plan healthy meals and snacks. Eat together when possible. Have healthy breakfast foods and snacks available.
- Set up routines, when possible. Kids thrive on routines, especially when they are coping with anxiety. Routines make them feel more in control and less worried.
Avoid behaviors that cause more anxiety in children
If you get upset about your child’s worries, it will make the situation worse. Try to be calm when you discuss the problem with your child. Here are a few other things you shouldn’t do if your child is worried or fearful.
- Don’t tell the child that their feelings are bad or talk about anxiety in a negative way.
- Don’t take the “tough love” approach. Telling someone to just toughen up isn’t effective. Treat them with empathy and compassion.
- Don’t force them into a scenario that makes them anxious. You can try to expose your child to small, easier situations to help them learn coping behaviors.
Our Plano pediatricians can advise you on how to help kids cope with anxiety
Parents can help kids cope with anxiety. Work with your pediatrician to devise a strategy to help your child cope with their concerns. Contact us for an appointment.
