I decided to write a brief post on this topic due to professional and personal experiences. It seems that there are more and more children experiencing anxiety and fewer and fewer adults who know how to deal with the child. Many people who do not experience anxiety themselves have a really difficult time empathizing and understanding where the child is coming from. They think they know what to say or do but often say and do the wrong thing. They don't do this because they mean to but simply because they are trying the best with what they have at the time. Taking time to learn more about anxiety in children needs to be at the top of the list.
What we, as adults, need to first know is that what the child is experiencing is real, they can't just make it stop. One of the most important things I learned, by trial and error, well a lot of error, is that saying "just get over it" isn't the best path. They can't "just get over it." They would love to get over it and if it were that simple they would have by now. They don't like the experience of anxiety any more than the adult enjoys dealing with their behavior as a result of the anxiety. We have to acknowledge what they are feeling as real and help them work through it as calm and safe as possible. This is where patience comes in. I know, it is easier said than done but trust me, you will be much happier in the end.
I found a great article on Toddler Approved that is helpful. If you have a child at home, in your family or at school that experiences anxiety and you are having trouble helping them then check out this blog. Hopefully you will walk away with some strategies to use or understanding into what they are dealing with everyday.
Toddler Approved Blog
What we, as adults, need to first know is that what the child is experiencing is real, they can't just make it stop. One of the most important things I learned, by trial and error, well a lot of error, is that saying "just get over it" isn't the best path. They can't "just get over it." They would love to get over it and if it were that simple they would have by now. They don't like the experience of anxiety any more than the adult enjoys dealing with their behavior as a result of the anxiety. We have to acknowledge what they are feeling as real and help them work through it as calm and safe as possible. This is where patience comes in. I know, it is easier said than done but trust me, you will be much happier in the end.
I found a great article on Toddler Approved that is helpful. If you have a child at home, in your family or at school that experiences anxiety and you are having trouble helping them then check out this blog. Hopefully you will walk away with some strategies to use or understanding into what they are dealing with everyday.
Toddler Approved Blog