Anxiety affects our mental health. We all feel anxious at times, no matter what age we are. There are a number of things that can cause children to be anxious, such as having a difficult time in school or forming friendships.
As a parent, you can help by asking your child how they feel, and then validating and showing them that you understand those feelings. Assure them that you accept their true feelings of being worried or anxious. Then, communicate to them that you believe in their ability to cope with those feelings. It will be a challenge for them, but having your faith and belief in their ability should help them to rise to and tackle the situation. The fact that a parent is nearby and rooting for their child to overcome feelings of doubt and insecurity is so important.
For most children, practicing a new skill makes things easier over a period of time. Encourage your child to stay with it and not give up. Praise your child for their effort and hard work. Psychologists state that ”grit” is an important quality for all of us, the ability to stay with a task and work towards a goal. Perseverance trumps taking the easy way out or giving up. Showing pride in your child’s ability to overcome fear or anxiety and meet new challenges will keep them motivated and raise their self-confidence over time.
Remember that you are your child’s most important role model. They will watch you to see how you handle anxiety, and they certainly pick up on your feelings. Try to self-regulate, manage your own emotions, and show them how to successfully cope with whatever comes their way.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.