So What Can Grown-Ups Do To Help Kids?

Kim "Tip" Frank, Ed.S., LPC ; Helping Kids With Anxiety and Stress

As Grown-ups it is our resonsibility to meet our kids' needs and to set the best environment possible. Kids feel secure when adults set good boundaries and limits for them. Below are some practical tips to consider.

1- Limit violent media that leaves children with the perception that their neighborhood and world is unsafe.

2-Build good relationships so kids feel connected in their families and neighborhoods. Social relationships serve as a buffer against stress.

3-Listen and discuss your child's worries and fears.

4-Have realistic expectations about life. Movies and television can set up unrealistic expectations for kids in terms of appearance, jobs, wealth, and relationships. Trying to reach unreachable ideals can cause great anxiety. You cannot change a child's genetics, but you can change the media they watch, along with the quality of their relationships. It's difficult to change the entire society, but you can change society's impact on you and your family.

5-If your kid's anxiety and stress is not abating, get a professional to help him or her. As mentioned before, counselors and physicians can be of good help.