prabhuAnxiety disorders affect around 3-5% of children in the UK, with many more struggling with normal worries. Read on for five tried-and-tested tools to guide children through anxiety and build their resilience as a parent or foster carer.
1. Understanding Anxiety in Children
The first step is understanding the signs, causes and risk factors for anxiety in childhood. Anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias and panic attacks. While some anxiety is normal, children with an anxiety disorder experience excessive, persistent fear and worry that impact their daily functioning. Genetics, brain chemistry, negative experiences and high-stress levels can increase a child’s risk.
Anxious children may complain of stomach aches, headaches, fatigue or other physical symptoms. Emotional signs include irritability, trouble concentrating, sleep issues and avoiding feared situations. Reaching out to mental health professionals, paediatricians, support groups and fostering agencies like the Foster Care Associates can provide support, helpful information and resources.
2. Building Connections Through Quality Time
Carving out regular one-on-one time to connect with your child is essential for building trust and security. Shared activities like reading, baking, crafting, playing games or being silly together all count! It helps children feel safe opening up about their worries. Try establishing set routines like a weekly outing or bedtime chat. Also, be fully present and tuned in during daily interactions – make eye contact, actively listen and avoid distractions. Prioritising quality time demonstrates your unconditional acceptance and interest in your child’s inner world.
3. Teaching Coping Skills Through Play
Children express emotions and make sense of experiences by playing pretend. Harness this natural tendency by role-playing scenarios related to your child’s fears. For a child anxious about starting school, play school together using toys. Stage a pretend doctor’s visit for health-related worries. Act out going on an aeroplane or sleepover. Problem-solve fears and demonstrate coping skills through the characters. Praise brave behaviour and highlight the positive outcomes. Imaginative play builds confidence and resilience by allowing children to tackle fears from a safe distance.
4. Promoting Relaxation and Mindfulness
Hyperarousal is a hallmark of anxiety. Relaxation techniques counteract this by activating the body’s natural relaxation response. Make relaxation fun by introducing deep breathing exercises during play – have stuffed animals “show” how to slowly inhale and exhale. Set up cosy spaces for quiet time with blankets, pillows and lamps. Work mindfulness into everyday moments by bringing non-judgmental awareness to sights, sounds, tastes and sensations. Mindfulness teaches that anxiety is transient rather than permanent.
5. Reframing Worries
The way we talk about anxiety has a huge impact. Anxious rumination traps children in unrealistic worst-case thinking. Reframe worries in a more positive light. For example, reframe “What if nobody talks to me at the party?” to “Parties can be overwhelming at first, but then we often meet new friends.” Children absorb the attitudes we model, so work on adopting a calm, confident stance about facing life’s uncertainties.
Managing childhood anxiety has its fair share of challenges. However, armed with empathy, knowledge, and the right tools, parents and foster carers have immense power to help children build resilience. Your commitment and encouragement through difficult moments can instil lifelong coping abilities and a sense of mastery over anxiety.
