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It is normal for parents to be concerned about their child’s well-being, especially when it comes to their mental and emotional health. Stress plays a vital role in affecting human life. Nowadays, it has affected the lives of children as well. Childhood anxiety disorders involve intense, stubborn behavior and strong emotional reactions in children. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are common in children, affecting one in eight children. This also leads to the fact that in such cases, the role of parents becomes essentially important as they need to assist their children in understanding and managing their anxious feelings. (Also read: Parenting guide: 10 effective strategies for parents to promote digital literacy in teens ,
Dr Sonam Kothari, MBBS and MD-PhD in Clinical Neurosciences, Co-Founder and CEO of Butterfly Learnings, shared with HT Lifestyle some practical tips for parents to help their children deal with and overcome anxiety.
Noticeable symptoms in children
Children with anxiety problems usually experience constant worry or fear. They also start complaining of ailments that have no medical cause. They start avoiding activities they previously enjoyed, in many cases, they also face sleep disturbances and difficulty in decision making.
Causes and Effects of Childhood Anxiety
Many factors contribute to the development of the above symptoms, including excessive “fight or flight” responses. Children may inherit anxious genes that can affect their brain functioning. Loss, illness, death, violence or abuse can all be possible causes.
Various triggers can cause childhood anxiety to affect the parts of the brain that help children with memory, language comprehension, and other forms of communication. This makes it difficult for children to perform tasks such as preparing ahead of time, completing tasks in the proper order, and making rational decisions. Thus, addressing childhood anxiety at an early stage can help safeguard their development.
Role of parents
Given the effects of childhood anxiety and the fact that every child is unique, solutions should be customized to their specific needs and preferences. Parents can guide children through stressful periods and help them build resilience for a brighter future by being patient, empathetic, and communicating effectively. They can teach children simple relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness activities, to help them handle anxiety whenever it arises.
In addition, parents can encourage their children to deal with their worries in a positive way. Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, can also be a way to keep them motivated and energized. For parents, it is imperative to encourage children to express their feelings honestly. They can reassure young minds that they are available to listen and that their feelings are genuine.
While parents play a key role in helping their children, it is important to recognize that managing childhood anxiety may require the assistance of a mental health professional. Therapists specializing in child psychology can provide some strategies and approaches to help children regulate their anxiety in a healthy way. Through implementing these strategies, parents can not only help their children cope with stress in the present but also prepare them for a brighter, healthier future.
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