All children feel a little worried sometimes, it is a part of life, and is a normal reaction to a stressful situation or event. This usually passes and they return to their calmer, happier state of mind
Anxiety becomes an issue when a child feels stuck in this feeling. This can be really overwhelming and affect their home and school life.
The good news is that there are ways to help your child. Try to encourage mindful activities like making a worry box. Your child can write their worries down and pop them in the special box. This symbolic and physical activity is a way of unburdening them of their worry. When they are in a calmer state of mind you can sit and read them together, giving them an opportunity to share their anxious thoughts.
Try practicing deep breathing. The balloon breathing excersise is a great visualisation technique, when a child imagines their tummy becoming a big balloon as they inhale deep slow breaths. Spending quality time together is important, but if you’re concerned, and their anxiety persists don’t hesitate to speak to a professional.
It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise and enough sleep. Mindfulness techniques, such as hand breathing, (please see featured image) can help children focus on the present and reduce anxiety about the future. Remind them that anxiety is like a wave, and with your support, they can ride it.
Encourage them to think of a happy place, maybe somewhere they had fun, or a person. Engage in peaceful activities that help them feel calmer, like listening to gentle music, doing a puzzle, reading a book, painting, or talking to their friends.
There are some great toys available: stress balls, fidget spinners and cute worry worms to tell all their problems too.
Life for our little ones should be full of laughter not shadowed by anxious thoughts. I really hope this blog is a help to you, and gives you ideas to help your child overcome their anxiety, and to stop you from worrying a bit too!
Together, we can help your child overcome anxiety and thrive in this world. I wish you all inner peace.
Love Eliza x