Anxiety

💭 What Is Anxiety?

It is completely normal for children to feel worried or nervous. In fact, a little bit of anxiety is helpful. It acts as our body's "alarm system" to keep us safe or help us focus before a test.

However, for some children, this alarm system gets "stuck" in the ON position. When worries become so big that they stop a child from doing things they enjoy (e.g. seeing friends, sleeping, or going to school), it may be time to step in with extra support.

ANXIETY 101: PART 1

ANXIETY 101: PART 2

ANXIETY 101: PART 3

ANXIETY 101: PART 4

🚩 Signs to Look Out For

Anxiety in children doesn't always look like fear. It can often be hidden behind anger, defiance, or even physical illness. This infographic breaks down the Physical, Emotional, and Behavioural signs to look out for. Recognising these signs is the first step in providing the right support for your child.

Imagine the brain has a built-in security guard called the Amygdala. Its job is to spot danger (like a tiger). In anxious children, the security guard is a little too good at its job, it spots danger where there isn't any (like a maths test or a birthday party).

Our goal isn't to eliminate anxiety. It is to teach the child how to manage the "security guard" so they can do hard things even when they feel scared.

🏠 How Parents Can Help

Validation Over Reassurance

Children's thoughts, emotions and experiences are real to them. No matter how you think or feel about their experiences, it is important for your children to feel heard, validated and understood. Empathise with your children, imagine what it is like to be in their shoes, and recognise and affirm that their thoughts, feelings and experiences are valid and important.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine" is a natural thing to say, but it often doesn't work because the child's brain is screaming that they are not fine.

Try Saying This: "I can see you are feeling really scared right now. That feeling is uncomfortable, but I know you can handle it. I am right here with you."

Schedule Worry Time

Anxiety loves to take over the whole day. Set a boundary by creating "Worry Time."

Set aside 10 minutes a day (not before bed!).
Tell your child: "Save that worry for Worry Time."
During those 10 minutes, listen deeply and discuss the worries. When the timer goes off, move on to a fun activity.

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