MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

Understanding Childhood Anxiety: Tools for Engaging Conversations

By Jess Andrews

Anxiety is something that everyone experiences, it’s a natural defence in humans that is essentially our body telling us to stay alert, making us aware of risk and encouraging us to solve problems. Sometimes though, anxious thoughts can feel overwhelming and result in behaviours like being prone to anger, excessive worrying, as well as an individual socially isolating themselves.

As parents, guardians, or caregivers, it is crucial to create an open and supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their worries and fears, and by learning effective communication strategies, we can empower children to cope with anxiety and develop resilience:

1. Establishing a safe and trusting space is paramount when discussing anxiety with children. Ensure privacy and choose a time when you both can focus without distractions. Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings openly, assuring them that you are there to listen and support them unconditionally.
2. When your child expresses their concerns, practice active listening. Give your undivided attention, maintain eye contact, and respond empathetically. Show genuine interest in their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Reflect back to them what they've said to ensure you understand correctly and avoid interrupting or dismissing their worries. A judgmental ‘That’s nothing to worry about!’, reframed as a curious ‘Do you think that’s likely to happen?’ for example, will be more likely to create a supportive environment.
3. Validating your child's emotions is crucial for building trust and understanding. Let them know that their feelings are valid and natural, and it's okay to experience anxiety. Normalise their emotions by being vulnerable and sharing examples of times when you felt anxious or worried – as a child as well and now as an adult - this is incredibly powerful for kids to feel understood and less alone in their struggles.
4. Provide your child with effective coping strategies to manage anxiety. Techniques such as deep belly or box breathing exercises, positive self-talk, mindfulness, or engaging in physical activities can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and help children regulate. Encourage them to practice these strategies regularly, or practice them together, emphasising that it takes time to develop new habits.
5. Help your child develop problem-solving skills by involving them in finding solutions to their anxieties. Brainstorm together and explore practical steps they can take to address their concerns. Encourage them to break down larger problems into smaller, more manageable tasks. By involving them in the process, you empower them to take an active role in overcoming their worries.

Talking to children about anxiety requires patience, understanding and open communication. By using these communication strategies, you can help your child navigate their anxieties with confidence.

Remember, professional help is available if anxiety persists or significantly affects your child's wellbeing, and you are welcome to chat to us should you feel you need to explore this option. Together, we can support children on their journey towards managing anxiety and building resilience.