*Anxiety

Anxiety haunts children, especially those who are highly sensitive. Within the attached webpage from Hoagie's Gifted Children webpage, called Anxiety, the Pain of Potential, there are a variety of blogs. One of my favorites is called Gifted, Perfectionism, and Anxiety All in One. This writer reaches out, as another parent, to describe how anxiety and perfectionism can play against each other for the gifted child. This blog contains a treasure trove of information. There is a list of children's books that parents can share with their kids to help them better understand themselves. The author also shares a helpful brochure by Olga Wilson that contains even more resources. For example, she shares strategies for counselors, educators, and parents to help the anxious gifted learner. For example, it discusses creating clear channels of communication and how to redirect negative self talk. As well, the author directs us to another blog: Is Your Child Anxious Because They’re Gifted?. This is posted in the website of the Anxiety-Free Child Program. First of all, this article discusses the history of gifted education. Secondly, it outlines symptoms of anxiety. There is also a parent friendly description of Dabrowski's overexcitabilities. Finally, there are more practical strategies to lessen anxiety with the overarching themes of promoting your child's creativity and nurturing their emotional intelligence.

Another resource on Hoagies' anxiety blog is entitled: Rainforest Mind. This title creates a visual for me of a complex, beautiful, even intricate space - just like your child's mind. The More You Know, The More You Worry is the title of her blog on anxiety. These resources may be used to discuss a child's anxiety at home or to help a parent determine if they need to contact a counselor.

Anxiety BC Youth has an interactive website specifically for youth to navigate. It is written with teen friendly language with lots of pictures, videos and direct advice. This site would be for the older child or teen who is ready to face their anxiety and take some action. The solution focused site offers step-by-step strategies for improving one's perspective through a variety of coping skills. Parents may want to view this site first to determine if the topics are suitable for their child. The actual program is located in Canada.