9 Tips to Navigating Child Anxiety

Navigating your child's anxiety can be a challenging path, but with the right approach, it can become a journey of growth and empowerment.

Many people feel that anxiety means danger. That when anxiety shows up it means that we MUST respond to the threat in front of us. Typically that response is to avoid and run away OR to fight it through anger and irritability. 

We need anxiety. It can be a signal of threats or danger. The goal is not to remove it, and the things that trigger it. The goal is to support your child in learning to tolerate that discomfort so they can gain the strength to navigate whatever comes their way.

Follow these steps to support your child with love while instilling the confidence they need to conquer worry.

Step 1: Approach with Curiosity

Instead of rushing to solve the problem, approach your child's anxiety with genuine curiosity. Ask open-ended questions to understand what they're feeling and thinking. This creates a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment.

Step 2: Notice Your Words

Words hold immense power, especially when comforting an anxious child. Pay attention to your language, offering reassurance without inadvertently reinforcing their worries. Choose words that validate their feelings while instilling hope and optimism.

Step 3: Validate, Don't Feed the Anxiety

Validate your child's emotions without amplifying their anxiety. Acknowledge their feelings as real and understandable, emphasizing that it's okay to feel scared or worried sometimes. By validating their emotions, you help them feel understood and supported.

Step 4: Reduce Reassurance

While it's natural to want to reassure your child, excessive reassurance can inadvertently reinforce their anxiety. Instead, focus on building their resilience by encouraging them to cope with uncertainty and discomfort. Teach them that they have the strength to face their fears head-on.

Step 5: Build Strength Against Worry

Empower your child to build resilience against worry. Encourage them to develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk, to manage their anxiety. By equipping them with these tools, you help them feel more in control of their emotions.

Step 6: Practice Talking Back

Teach your child to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with anxiety. Encourage them to "talk back" to their worries with rational, positive affirmations. This practice helps them develop a more balanced perspective and reduces the grip of anxiety on their mind.

Step 7: Frontload

Prepare your child for potentially anxiety-inducing situations by "frontloading" them with information and coping strategies. Discuss what to expect and how they can handle any challenges that may arise. By empowering them with knowledge and skills in advance, you help alleviate their anxiety.

Step 8: Be the Mirror

Lead by example and demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms when facing your own challenges. Show your child that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes, but it's how we respond to those feelings that matters most. By being a positive role model, you inspire confidence and resilience in your child.

Embracing the Journey

Supporting a child through anxiety isn't just about alleviating their fears—it's about empowering them to thrive in the face of adversity. By following these steps with patience, love, and understanding, you can help your child develop the confidence and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges with courage and grace.

It takes consistency and practice AND it can lead to lasting change and relief from the grip anxiety has on the family.