Is your child a worrywart? Here’s what you can do

In the highly competitive and fast-paced world of today, anxiety and stress are all-too-common among kids. These states of mind manifest themselves through behavioural and physical symptoms. Behavioural manifestations of anxiety include  moodiness, aggression, short temper, difficulty in concentration, withdrawing from family and friends and bullying among others. The physical symptoms include bedwetting, frequent complaints of stomach ache, sleep problems and increased appetite among others. Starting from academic pressure and bullying to parental instability, there are various factors that contribute to a child’s anxiety. If you find your little one experiencing this psychological challenge, try these simple, easy-to-follow strategies to help her steer clear of his worry.  

Listen to your child 
It is extremely comforting to know that you have someone to listen to you when a situation is bothering you. Be a good listener to your child when he seems worried. Do let him know that you are there, come what may even if he is not in a position to share everything.  
 
Validate her thoughts  
If your child shares his fears and concerns with you, make sure that you do not sound dismissive of his worries. She shouldn’t feel guilty for feeling anxious. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel bad or low and help her open up to you.   
 
Teach breathing techniques  
Taking a deep breath in and exhaling it is the best way to cope up with a sudden adrenaline rush across the body. Teach your child the proper way of doing these breathing exercises whenever they feel experience physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heartbeat or tightness in muscles. It can help them cope with a sudden rise in anxiety levels better.  

Help him differentiate between real threats and false alarms 
Sometimes our brain triggers a false alarm and we make wrong pre-assumptions, leading to anxiety. For example, when we have to speak in front of many people, we overthink it and this makes us more nervous. Help your child understand the difference between real threats and false alarms. 

Stick to routines 
Regular routine instills a sense of security. So, helping your child maintain a schedule during a phase of anxiety is crucial. It will help quell the feeling of unsettlement triggered by anxiety. Maintain your child’s sleep schedule and mealtimes.  

Do not over schedule your child
Starting from football to music lessons, kids can be involved in endless number of extracurricular activities.  But overloading them with too many activities can add to stress levels and anxiety. 

Consult a professional 
If you see the symptoms of anxiety persisting, consider seeking help from a mental health professional before the problem blows out of proportion. Timely treatment is necessary to take control of the situation.