Understanding Your Child’s Anxiety: A Guide for Parents

It’s normal for children to feel anxious or worried sometimes. Nevertheless, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and disruptive, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in helping identify signs of anxiety early on and supporting your child on their journey toward recovery. Equipped with increased understanding, you can take an active role in getting your child the assistance they need to overcome anxiety.  

Noticing Symptoms: What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?

Anxious children often experience both emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety. Emotionally, your child may seem constantly worried, sad, or irritable. You may also notice changes in behavior, such as increased crying, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, avoiding social situations or activities, clinging behavior, or meltdowns over minor things. Physically, anxiety can cause stomachaches, headaches, rapid heart rate, shaky hands, and fatigue. If your child is experiencing several emotional and physical symptoms for over 6 months, it may indicate an underlying anxiety disorder. Keep in mind that symptoms often evolve gradually, so track any symptoms you spot, even subtle ones. Getting your child formal assessment from a mental health professional can also help diagnose a disorder. 

Understanding Common Causes

Anxiety disorders have no single cause, but often result from a combination of underlying genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Genetics play a part, especially if you or your spouse have an anxiety disorder. High stress environments can also contribute to anxiety, whether because of unstable home life, school pressures, bullying, or traumatic events like loss of a loved one. 

Developmentally, anxiety often traces back to early childhood, with negative experiences and insecure attachment to caregivers altering brain development and regulation of emotions and stress response. While you cannot change genetics or past experiences, you can minimize your child’s current stress, provide them emotional support, and get help to address any underlying developmental issues through child anxiety therapy.

Seeking Professional Treatment

If your child’s anxiety persists despite your efforts to provide comfort and minimize stress, it’s essential to seek professional treatment. Start with your pediatrician, who can refer you to child psychologists or therapists who specialize in child anxiety therapy. According to the professionals at Aspire Psychological, the most common evidence-based therapies used are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and anxiety medication. 

CBT aims to change negative thought patterns, while exposure therapy gradually exposes the child to their fears in a controlled setting. Medication may be used alongside therapy in more severe cases. Outside traditional talk therapy sessions, a therapist may also recommend changes at home and school to support the child, like establishing calming bedtime routines or allowing the child extra time on tests. 

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

As a parent, one of the most vital roles you can play is creating a stable, nurturing environment at home. Emotional support is pivotal, so let your child know that it’s okay to be anxious but that you’ll get through it together. Stay patient with them, even during difficult behaviors, and offer comfort through activities like hugging, back rubs, or their favorite meal after a rough day. You can also incorporate anxiety-busting rituals into their routine like gentle stretches before bed or keeping a worry journal. 

Conclusion

While living with childhood anxiety can be difficult for both parent and child, early intervention, and consistent support at home and via child anxiety therapy provides hope for overcoming anxiety. Stay alert to symptoms, respond with empathy, minimize stressors, tap into professional help, and nurture their emotional health. With time, understanding, and the right help, your child can learn to manage their anxiety and thrive.