When faced with your anxious child, you can use the following phrases to help them identify, acknowledge and work through these overwhelming emotions.
Anxiety affects all children at some point in their lives. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 11% of all children suffer from chronic anxiety that often proves debilitating. Learning how to navigate moments of anxiety is an essential life skill and one of the most effective tools for this is the language we use in conversation with our children.
1. “You are loved and safe.”
An anxious child is so overcome with feelings of fear that anything more complex than this may simply fall on deaf ears. A simple reminder that they are safe and loved can help soothe their feelings of nervousness.
2. “Tell me what you are feeling.”
Allowing your child to express the emotion they are feeling, in words that make sense to them, helps them identify the emotion and how to deal with it. Explaining that many others feel the same way (or perhaps even sharing a story of your own) may help your child feel less alone in a bewildering world of overwhelming emotion.
3. “We can learn through worrying.”
Using this phrase might sound illogical. However, encouraging our children to identify the underlying issues that give rise to their anxiety can turn something quite suffocating into something much more redemptive. They, in turn, learn to deal with issues head-on. Facing their fears encourages emotional growth.
4. “You make me proud, every day.”
By affirming our children every day, regardless of the situation they might find themselves in, we are soothing their inner self.
5. “Let’s take a deep breath.”
Stopping to take a deep breath in a moment of anxiety will help your child re-evaluate their emotional state in a place of calmness. It quietens their minds and brings them back into a framework of control.
6. “Tell me what you need.’
Sometimes our children get so worked up that it might seem like there is nothing we can do to help them. Put the ball in their court, encourage them to guide you by telling you what they need.
7. “I acknowledge what you are feeling.”
By verbally acknowledging what our children are feeling, we are validating them and letting them know that we believe them (which is vital, literally, in the sense of being life-giving).
Previously published on Parenty
Pin this …
[…] The reality, (in my eyes) is that we are all in a difficult position right now, we are all unsure and nervous about how this is going to turn out, but schooling your child doesn’t need to cause anyone unnecessary stress and anxiety. […]
[…] at the face of this nervous, anxious child doing their best to be brave. There might even be a tear shed, from all parties involved. You […]
[…] important for us to realize that we are only there to help guide our children to set the goals that they themselves would like to achieve. It should be our child’s goal, […]
[…] lights were out, most people would be late for school and that no red slips would be given out. Anxiousness had crept its way into her life and my previously confident little girl was struggling with all the […]
[…] about prayer is that it can be done anywhere, anytime, and in any frame of mind. To lay bare my emotions, fears, and joys is a reawakening experience. I never walk away unfulfilled. None of us is perfect, […]