Anxiety and Stress
A Strength-Based Approach
Anxiety and stress come from many different sources, and their degree varies widely. Helping your child first requires that you define the problem and examine the solutions.
When you respond with empathy to your child’s anxiety, you deepen your connection. Parents can serve as islands of security as children become more comfortable trying things they may have feared before. Look at an anxiety-producing situation as an opportunity to gently increase your child’s (and your own) emotional intelligence.
You can help your child learn to overcome anxieties in a positive way using tools that help boost confidence. Keep these points in mind:
- Seek to enhance your child’s self-esteem.
- Don’t dismiss your child’s distress. Children need to know that feelings of anxiety are real and understood by others;
- Let your child know you’ll partner with her to help her feel better better;
- Empower your child with the knowledge and tools to reduce anxiety.
- Strengthen your connection with your child.
- Encourage an anxious child to explore new situations gradually while helping him feel secure and connected. This is especially important for children experiencing separation anxiety (distress at being separated from parents, even for brief periods of time).
- Serve as an anchor for your child. Stay steady to help her feel secure as she tries something that may have caused anxiety before.
- Embrace individuality.
- Appreciate the positive aspects of your child’s character, even when it’s different from your own. For example, if you’re more daring, it may take deliberate effort to appreciate a cautious child.
- Create realistic expectations based on your child’s unique situation and personality.
