How to Help Kids Lower Their Anxiety
By Genevieve Cunningham
Anxiety is a big problem in the world today. More people than ever are suffering from this condition, and unfortunately, that means that kids are suffering, too. While it was once unheard of for children to experience very much of this adult emotion, kids in today’s world are bombarded with that anxious feeling. Why? It’s likely a mixture of lifestyles, entertainment, and the internet … but whatever the cause, teaching kids how to handle their anxiety is crucial for a healthy and happy life. To help the kids in your life get rid of anxiety and feel better than ever, take a look at these tips.
Give Them Stability
All people need a bit of stability in their lives, but this is especially true for children. Kids need to know that certain things are true. They need to know their house is safe, their parents love them, and that they are well taken care of. If they don’t know these things, their anxiety is going to naturally rise. Even though life can throw us in unfortunate situations, do your best to give your kids enough stability to make them feel safe and to lower their anxiety for good.
Help Them Get Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep is bad for health in general, but it’s especially bad for anxiety. When we’re tired, we already feel irritable. Add anxiety on top of that, and you really have a recipe for disaster. Kids, for the most part, need even more sleep than adults. Set a bedtime for your kids and make them stick to it. Help them come up with a routine that winds them down. If you really want your child to be healthy and anxiety-free, getting enough sleep is a crucial first step.
Model Coping Skills
Kids do what you do, not what you say. If you want them to stop being anxious, you also have to stop being anxious. Do your best to model appropriate coping skills. This might be counting slowly to 10 when overwhelmed or taking deep deliberately slow breaths. It might be talking to a therapist regularly or taking time for yourself. If you’re an anxious person, model good self-care for your children and they’ll pick up on it along the way. As they grow, they'll take on some of these coping skills and hopefully manage their anxiety well as the years pass.
It’s OK to occasionally feel anxiety. It’s even OK for kids. But if your children are constantly worried and anxious, it’s time to help! Use these tips to help lower their anxiety, and if need be, seek out the care of a professional. Kids matter. Their health matters. Help them feel healthy and happy so that they can grow into loving and capable adults in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.