Supporting Children With Anxiety: Strategies for Parents

Caring for your child’s mental health is an important part of healthcare and can help them learn to succeed and thrive while dealing with certain issues. Anxiety is a common experience for many children, but as a parent, you have the power to provide guidance and support to help your child navigate their anxious feelings. By implementing certain strategies, you can empower your child to develop resilience and cope with anxiety in healthy ways. Dr. Carol Calabrese, Dr. Inna Meskin, Dr. Alexis Capozzoli, Renee Thomas APN, and Joe Larena APN at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, can explain how to deal with anxiety within your child and help them find ways to cope each day.

Helping Your Child With Anxiety

When your child is dealing with anxiety, it’s important to talk to your physician at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, about how you can help your child manage. When anxiety is left unmanaged, it can be difficult for your child to function, and they may struggle to succeed each day. When you give your child the resources they need to express their anxiety, they can feel more comfortable with their feelings and have a healthy outlet to cope.

It’s important that you give your child a space to feel safe expressing their anxiety. Foster an atmosphere of trust and openness where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings without judgment. Validate their emotions and reassure them that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes. Practice active listening by giving your child your full attention when they express their worries. Validate their feelings by acknowledging their concerns and empathizing with their experiences.

You should give your child methods to vent and relieve their anxiety. Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation. Encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy, such as drawing, reading, or spending time outdoors, to distract themselves from anxious thoughts.

Consistency and predictability can also provide a sense of stability and security for anxious children. Establish daily routines for meals, bedtime, and activities to create a structured environment that promotes feelings of safety and control. If your child's anxiety significantly impacts their daily functioning or quality of life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can provide specialized interventions and support tailored to your child's needs.

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Find out how you can help your child deal with anxiety. Contact Dr. Carol Calabrese, Dr. Inna Meskin,  Dr. Alexis Capozzoli, Renee Thomas APN, and Joe Larena APN at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, to learn more about anxiety and how you can help your child cope. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (973) 729-2197.