Anxiety in Children: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it comes to children, it can be especially challenging. Anxiety can manifest in many ways, such as fear, worry, and nervousness, and it can have a significant impact on a child's well-being, development and behaviour. As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle with anxiety, and it can be hard to know how to help. We hear such concern and frustration from parents when their child’s anxiety interferes with their ability to reach their child, calm them and influence their choices and behaviour.

When Should You Worry?

Anxiety can be helpful in certain situations, such as when it motivates children to study for an exam or to be careful when crossing the street. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and interferes with a child's daily life, it can become a problem. Signs that a child's anxiety may be a problem include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and avoiding certain situations. Children may also start to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, or they may display physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches. As a parent, you may feel helpless, and you may not know what to do to help your child.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone. At Attuned Families, we understand how hard it can be for children and families when they are struggling with anxiety, and we are here to help.

How Therapy Can Help

Our attachment-based interventions such as Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Theraplay are designed to help children and families understand and manage their emotions, build stronger emotional connections, and learn coping skills.

Therapy sessions are not only for children, but also for parents, to learn how to understand and support their children and themselves. Through therapy, parents can learn how to identify their child's symptoms, understand the underlying causes of their child's anxiety, and develop effective strategies for managing and reducing their child's symptoms.

It's essential to seek help as soon as possible if your child is struggling with anxiety. A therapist can help you understand your child's symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. At Attuned Families, we are here to support you and your child every step of the way, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your family.