Things NOT to do when your child has anxiety

Enrichment Therapies

April 18, 2017

small child eating Christmas cookie

Anxiety is not uncommon- in children OR adults!

Reassure

When you’re upset about something, does it help when someone tells you to calm down? Typically not. Your child is the same. They know there is nothing to worry about. Instead try having them stop, take a deep breath, let them know you understand the situation is scary, and then determine solutions.

Allow “What Ifs”

Often, we spend too much time thinking about things that MIGHT happen. Instead of saying “What if….” help your child to say “What is… “. Focus on what is happening in the present instead of the future!

Avoiding Situations

If we constantly avoid the situations that cause anxiety, the anxiety won’t be resolved. Help your child master small goals that work towards the main goal. Break the situation down into something they can manage. Help them create a checklist so when they do start to feel overwhelmed they can go through the steps to calm down. Have a hard copy for them to refer to when they start to feel anxious.

Blame yourself

Watching your child suffer with anxiety is hard. You’re not alone, and it is not your fault. Have the whole family work towards a healthier lifestyle and remember to love yourself!

Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in the Iowa City, IA area and Des Moines, IA area. We provide individual speech-language therapy and tutoring as well as offering small group academic programs.  At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center our passion is to help kids achieve effective communication skills and gain academic success.  Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.

info@enrichmenttherapies.com

740 Community Drive, Unit A

North Liberty, IA 52317

319-626-2553

 infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com

5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300

Johnston, IA 50131

515-419-4270

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