Childhood can be a difficult time for many kids, and when anxiety and stress rear their ugly heads, even the most routine of tasks can become overwhelming. Many young people suffer from these feelings, and while they are caused by lots of different things (school pressures, issues with friends, moving, etc.), there is no one way to cope with them. What works for one child may not work for another, so it’s important to try various coping methods.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can help your child get through their anxiety and find a healthy path. The key is to keep a level head, stay calm, and let your loved one know that you’re there to support them.

The Digging Deep Project offers some of the best ways to help your child deal with stressful feelings.

Boost self-confidence

It’s important to help your child find their own self-confidence so that they’ll be better equipped to handle stressful moments when they occur. This can be done in several ways, including encouraging your child to try new things, join a sport, or enter into a leadership role in a group such as The Boy Scouts or at school.

Stay calm

It can be difficult to keep your cool when your child is going through a tough time, especially if it affects them at school or when their sleeping and eating habits change because of it. Just remember that although anxiety doesn’t necessarily go away, the symptoms can be managed and controlled. Depending on your child’s age, it may be a good idea to keep a couple of small toys in your bag to help them get their mind off their anxiety in the moment and to calm down. You can also use a particular memento or favorite item–a photograph or necklace, for instance, or an amethyst crystal, which has been shown to invoke calm–to help your child focus and relax.

Teach self-care

Self-care is important at any age. Teach your child the best ways to keep themselves happy and healthy, which can include getting enough sleep, engaging in daily exercise, and eating a well-balanced diet. Cutting out caffeine is also a good idea, as it can exacerbate anxious feelings.

Meditation and yoga can also be helpful, as they can promote mindful thinking and help your child focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future. This is something the two of you can do together, so consider finding a class that both of you can take, or buy a DVD to use at home.

A change of scenery

Depending on the situation, your child may benefit from a change of scenery, and a short getaway might be a great way to recharge his batteries. Consider a family seekender weekend in a nearby city, and put together a light list of fun activities and restaurants everyone can enjoy. If you think time in nature is the better choice, put together a family camping trip. Keep it easy by choosing a KOA spot with facilities, and pack for comfort with plenty of easy-to-make foods as well as warm blankets and sleeping pads.

Talk to your child

One of the best ways to help your child is by talking…and listening. Sit down with your child and talk about their feelings, but try not to ask leading questions. Ask about what they’re feeling but don’t be specific; leave that to the child. Often, kids don’t understand their feelings and your child may not know why he feels the way he does. This is normal, but it’s important to listen for cues from your loved one about what might have triggered the anxiety.

Don’t avoid situations

Your child may be inclined to avoid situations that trigger anxiety, but it’s important for them–in most cases–to face those things. Let your child know that you support them and that they are strong enough to get through anything. Often, staring head-on at whatever is causing those feelings can help an individual learn how to cope a little more easily.

Remember that anxiety can show itself in many ways, and there are various ways to treat it. If those feelings are affecting your child’s ability to function, it may be time to speak to a professional. School counselors and therapists are wonderful resources for kids who suffer from anxiety.

About the guest writer, Marie:

Thank you to guest writer, Marie Villeza, for sharing this article with us to share! Marie is behind Elder Impact, and is dedicated to providing resources to seniors and their caregivers. She hopes that through this, she can empower seniors against ageism and make the best decisions for their lives.

Guest Blogger

Digging Deep accepts guest posts on many topics from a wide range of experts, patients, health care practitioners, and others who work with sick children and teens. We welcome your perspectives and stories to share regarding ways to support the emotional needs of children with health challenges and the families and professionals who support them. Please email: info@diggingdeep.com if you would like to be a guest blogger.