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It’s a sad fact that sometimes your children will worry. Modern life has some stressors for kids, but with a few Awesome Tips to Soothe Your Child’s Anxiety, you can help bring some calm zen and help them learn to cope. Strategies they learn now can carry them into their teen years and beyond. In an online article from the American Psychological Association entitled “How to help children and teens manage their stress“, strategies and coping mechanisms for successfully dealing with the anxiety children face are outlined as well as recognizing the signs of stress.

Find Out What’s Causing Their Fear

First, it’s important to get to the root of your child’s anxiety. What is causing it? Is there a specific fear or worry that they can’t seem to shake? Encourage them to talk about their anxiety and what triggers it. Once you know what it is, you can help them address it directly.

Children’s fears can seem very real and very frightening to them. As a parent, it’s important to try to understand what is causing your child’s fear. It could be something that has happened recently, such as a loud noise or seeing a scary movie.

Or, it could be something that happened in the past, such as being separated from you in a store. It’s also important to remember that children’s imaginations are very active, and they may be afraid of things that seem harmless to you.

Children may be afraid of the dark because they cannot see what is around them. However, children can overcome this fear by learning that there are ways to see in the dark, such as using a flashlight.

Similarly, children may be afraid of unfamiliar people or animals because they do not know what they will do. However, children can overcome this fear by learning that most people and animals are actually very friendly.

It is important for children to discuss their fears with their parents or caregivers so that they can learn more about what is causing their fears and how to overcome them.

If you’re not sure what is causing your child’s fear, talk to his or her pediatrician. He or she can help you figure out if there is anything to be concerned about and give you some tips on how to help your child overcome his or her fear.

Naming Their Emotions Can Put a Framework Around Their Feelings

It’s important for children to be able to name their emotions. When they can put a label on how they’re feeling, it helps them to understand and process their feelings. This can help them feel more in control of their anxiety and less overwhelmed by it.

It also gives them a way to communicate their emotions to others. As a result, helping children to name their emotions is an important step in helping them to cope with the ups and downs of life.

There are many ways to help children name their emotions. One is to provide them with books or other materials that feature different emotions. Another is to talk about emotions in everyday conversation. Another way to help children name their emotions is by teaching them about the different facial expressions that signify different feelings. For example, a furrowed brow usually indicates anger, while a quivering lip often signifies sadness.

Once children are able to identify these facial cues in themselves and others, they can begin to put words to their emotions. By helping children to name their emotions, we can help them to better understand and cope with the world around them.

Parents can talk about emotions with their children on a regular basis. This can be done through everyday conversations, books, movies, or even games. When children feel comfortable talking about their emotions, they’re more likely to express themselves in healthy and productive ways. Check out this amazing set, A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book Box Set from Diane Alber Art LLC. It comes with a book and plush toys to help children identify their feelings. This set comes highly recommended by parents and professionals alike.

Teach kids some relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization are all great tools to help kids calm down and cope with anxiety. Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey (Author), Charon Normand Widmer  (Narrator),  Dreamscape Media, LLC (Publisher) is a wonderful resource that comes in many different formats; such as Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback, Spiral-Bound, and Audio CD. Take your pick!

Relaxation techniques for children experiencing stress can be very helpful in reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of calm. One relaxation technique that can be used is slow, deep breathing. This helps to oxygenate the blood and slow down the heart rate, which can be helpful in reducing stress levels.

Another relaxation technique is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. This can help to release tension and reduce stress.

Finally, guided imagery or visualization is another relaxation technique that can be used with children. This involves picturing oneself in a peaceful, calming place, such as a beach or forest. Guided imagery can help to reduce stress by providing a distraction from worry and promoting positive thinking. relaxation techniques are an important tool in managing stress, and they can be helpful for children of all ages.

Encourage positive thinking

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, for some children, anxiety can become more than just a feeling – it can become a debilitating condition that interferes with everyday activities.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with anxiety, encouraging positive thinking can help children to develop successful coping mechanisms. When children are able to see the glass as half full, they are more likely to view setbacks as temporary and to believe that they have the power to overcome challenges. This type of thinking can help reduce anxiety by increasing feelings of self-efficacy and control. In addition, encouraging positive thinking can also lead to greater levels of resilience, flexibility, and adaptability – all essential qualities for managing anxiety.

Whether it’s through visualization exercises, positive affirmations, or simply encouraging optimistic thinking, helping children to focus on the bright side can go a long way in reducing anxiety. Help your child identify and challenge negative thoughts that are contributing to their anxiety. Encourage them to think about things in a more positive light.

Model healthy coping mechanisms yourself

Show your child that it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes and that there are healthy ways to deal with it. This will help them feel more comfortable seeking out help when they need it.

Pediatricians often see parents who are concerned about their child’s stress levels. It’s understandable; we live in a world that is full of stressors, and kids can’t always cope in the same way that adults do. That’s why it’s so important for parents to model healthy coping mechanisms. When kids see their parents managing stress in a healthy way, it can help them to process their own life stressors.

This can be something as simple as taking a few deep breaths when you’re feeling overwhelmed or going for a walk to clear your head. By modeling these healthy coping strategies, you can show your kids how to manage their stress in a way that is both effective and safe.

Daily Exercise Routine

Encourage them to get regular exercise and to practice mindfulness (see the next tip). Some children enjoy group sports and others prefer individual sports where they compete only against themselves.

A daily exercise routine can be extremely beneficial for children who suffer from anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to reduce stress hormones and increase feelings of relaxation. In addition, daily exercise can help to improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in children with anxiety. As a result, a regular exercise routine can help to mitigate some of the symptoms of anxiety. Moreover, exercise provides a healthy outlet for kids to release pent-up energy and emotions. It can also help to teach children skills like self-regulation and problem-solving. For these reasons, daily exercise should be encouraged for all children, but it may be particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help reduce stress and anxiety by teaching you how to focus your attention on the present moment and be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but one simple way is to focus on your breath. Try to notice the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

You can practice mindfulness anywhere, at any time. It doesn’t require any special equipment or training. And it’s something you can do for just a few minutes a day.

Some ways that you can assist children in practicing mindfulness.

-Have them begin to focus on their breath

-Teach them to eat mindfully (paying attention to the taste, texture, and smell of their food). This will have the added benefit of slowing down their eating, which leads to their awareness of satiety. They will be less likely to overeat.

For additional ideas, check out the workbook, “Mindfulness Workbook for Kids: 60+ Activities to Focus, Stay Calm, and Make Good Choices (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids) written by Hannah Sherman LCSW. To learn more about her approach and offerings, visit www.hannahsherman.com and follow her on Instagram @hannahshermantherapy.

Listening to calming music
Playing soft, calming music in the background can help to soothe your child and ease their anxiety. There are many great options available online and on streaming services. Give them a break from electronics. Encourage your child to take a break from electronic devices and screen time. This can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. 

A few CD choices could include the following: Toddler Favorites by Music for Little People, 100 Singalong Songs For Kids by Provident Music Group, or Disney’s Karaoke Series: Frozen by Walt Disney Records

Practicing yoga or stretching

Tell parents how practicing yoga and stretching will help their children learn to calm their brain and bodies.

Yoga and stretching are both great ways to help kids calm down and focus. They can be done anywhere, at any time, and don’t require any special equipment or training.

Plus, they have the added benefit of helping kids stay physically active, which is important for overall health and well-being.

There are many resources available to help parents get started with yoga and stretching at home. Some of our favorites include:

Kids Yoga DVD – Once Upon a Mat directed by Namaste Kid. This DVD has won numerous awards including: Parent Tested Parent Approved Award, Best Yoga DVD for Kids (YogaDVDs.net), and Parents’ Choice Silver Award Winner.

-The book, Yoga for Children–Yoga Cards: 50+ Yoga Poses and Mindfulness Activities for Healthier, More Resilient Kids by Lisa Flynn

-The book, Mindfulness for Kids in 10 Minutes a Day: Simple Exercises to Feel Calm, Focused, and Happy by Maura Bradley.

Spending time in nature

This one can’t be beat and is a great way to increase healthy family bonding. Find something that the entire family enjoys. Breathe in the fresh air and revel in the sunshine.

Anxiety is a normal part of life, but it can be debilitating if it’s not managed properly. If your child is struggling with anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them cope. Seek professional help if their anxiety is significantly impacting their life.

From early developmental milestones to worries about school and friends, there are a lot of things that can cause stress in kids. And while some anxiety is normal and even healthy, too much can have a negative impact on a child’s development.

One of the best ways to help when kids are feeling overwhelmed is to encourage them to spend time in nature. Studies have shown that being in nature can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

So next time your child is feeling stressed, suggest taking a walk in the park or playing in the backyard. You may just find that it makes all the difference.

Preparing for the Day Ahead

Start the day with a positive attitude. Consider establishing a daily routine that includes some downtime for your child to relax. This might include reading, listening to music, or spending time outside.

Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and eating a healthy breakfast. Then, help them plan out their day by making a to-do list or schedule. This will help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Stick to a Routine. Routines can be helpful.

There are many other ways to help soothe your child’s anxiety. If you have any concerns, please talk to your child’s doctor. With a few simple tips, you can help bring some calm to your child’s anxiety. With a little bit of effort, you can help your child overcome their anxiety and learn to cope in a healthy way.