It can be hard to watch your child feel worried or scared. As parents and caregivers, we want to fix the problem right away. But sometimes, trying to protect children from every fear can actually make their anxiety stronger. The good news is that you can help your child learn to face their fears with confidence. Here are 10 simple ways to support your child as they build courage and learn healthy ways to handle anxiety.1
- Help Your Child Manage Anxiety Instead of Making It Go Away: Everyone feels anxious sometimes. As children practice facing their fears, their anxiety often gets smaller over time.
- Don’t Avoid Things That Feel Scary: It may seem easier to let your child skip something that makes them nervous, but it teaches them that avoiding fears is the answer.
- Be Positive and Realistic: It’s okay to say, “I know this feels hard, but I believe you can do it.” We can’t control every outcome, but we can remind children they are strong and capable.
- Listen to Their Feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel scared. Listen without judging. Then remind them that they are not alone and that you will help them through it.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking, “Are you worried about your test?” try asking, “How are you feeling about your test?” Give your child a chance to share their thoughts openly.
- Stay Calm: Children often notice how adults react. If you seem very worried, they may also respond with worry or fear. Showing calm and confidence helps children feel safe and secure.
- Praise Their Courage: Facing fears takes hard work. Celebrate your child’s effort, even if they are still nervous. Courage doesn’t mean not feeling afraid, it means trying in spite of it.
- Keep the Waiting Time Short: Waiting for something scary can sometimes feel worse than the event itself. If your child has a doctor’s appointment or stressful activity, avoid talking about it for hours beforehand.
- Make a Plan Together: Sometimes children feel better when they know what to do if something doesn’t go as planned. Talk through possible scenarios and provide simple solutions.
- Be a Good Role Model: Children learn by watching the adults around them. Your children should understand that everyone has worries, but fear can be managed properly with practice.
Helping a child manage anxiety doesn’t happen overnight. Every small step they take builds confidence, strength, and resilience. With your support, your child can learn that they are capable of facing challenges and growing through them. If your child struggles with anxiety, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We are here to support you. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.
1 – https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/
2 – Image by Freepik/Magnific