If you’re wondering, “How can I help my child who has anxiety?” Of course, as always… it starts with you. Here’s how you can be a non-anxious presence at home.
A Parent’s Role in Anxiety
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about anxiety.
When I was in my early 20’s I used to have panic attacks.
And while those things scared me, what terrified me the most was passing anxiety on to my children.
Parents often fear their anxiety will trickle down to their children. In fact, 50% of children who have anxious parents also have anxiety disorders.
But, before that statement leaves you completely helpless, I want you to know that as a parent you also have the power to help.
Because calm is contagious—just like stress, worry, and fear.
5 Tips to be a Non-Anxious Presence for Your Child
1. Learn to assign positive meaning to events.
You get to decide what things mean. You can choose to view your anxiety as a crippling monster, or as a best friend who is trying to keep you safe.
2. Slow down and get better sleep.
This seems so simple but makes a big difference in your clarity of thought. Be a good example of giving your mind and body the rest that they need.
3. Practice taking the long view.
Parents should seek to have a nonjudgmental acceptance of the present. Often it is so difficult for parents to not live in the day.
Remember, today is not forever. It’s okay if you or your child are struggling with something today, it does not mean it will last forever. Even if your children have problems now, they usually turn out great.
4. Make peace with your reality.
Accept where you are and define yourself as a grower. The secret to feeling better about our anxiety is to realize that it’s not our job to get rid of it. Our role is to understand it better.
5. Find joy in your parenting.
Make it a priority to savor one thing a day that brings a smile to your face. Focus on the parts of motherhood that light you on fire, and let the pressure of “shoulds” disappear. Here are 3 tips for choosing joy in motherhood.
Resources For Helping a Child With Anxiety
The last thing that I want to say, to parents and children alike, because I wish someone would have said this to me is this:
YOU ARE NOT BROKEN.
Your value is separate from your circumstances, your feelings, and your behavior.
Anxiety does NOT have control of your value and your worth.
And you are not alone.
Here are some resources I have created to teach you about anxiety. I hope something here will help give you peace and direction.
- Helping Your Anxious Child Webinar
- A Simple Way to Help Your Anxious Child
- Why Should You Learn How to Treat Your Child’s Anxiety
- Making Accommodations for an Anxious Child
- When Your Child Has Anxiety
Helping Your Anxious Child Webinar
If you want to learn more about helping your child with anxiety, please join me when I teach a live webinar!
I teach 3 life-changing principles that will help you manage your child’s anxiety and help them break the anxious cycle. After the 30-minute presentation, join me for a LIVE Q&A session where you can ask me your pressing questions.
Helping Your Anxious Child Webinar
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