5 Ways to Help a Child Who Worries

Children worry just like adults do, the difference is they don't realize their little mind is worried and therefore do not know they need support to calm their mind and body.

So why do children worry so much?  They are kids right?  Don't they have it easier than adults since they have less responsibility?

Not so much.  Kids can worry for all sorts of reasons including being worried about when Mom or Dad will pick them up or if they are okay, if their school work will be done on time, if the kids will make fun of them at school, if they will do good on their test, if the bully will leave them alone, if their animals are okay while they are gone, if they will win their sports game or race, if the monster in the closet will come out at night, etc.

There can also be some very LARGE legit worries they have because of what they have been exposed to or gone through.  This type of worry can be triggered at any time and sometimes especially before big social events or bed time.

Then there is the domino effect.  Maybe you have already noticed this.  When your child is worried about one thing, they may become nervous or start to get anxious because they are now worried about five more things.

So what can we do help?

1. Talk it through - Find out what they are worried about or what the cause is, then go from there to help them by talking it through.  For example, "What can we do differently so you don't have to worry about this next time?"  "What will help you right now to feel less worried and what will help you next time when you are worried about this same thing?"  "What could you do if ____________ really did happen so you have a plan?"

Sometimes when kids can see the cause of the worry, know that they are safe and okay even though they feel worried, and have a plan of what they could do it the thing they are worried about did happen.

2. Remind - Remind your kiddo they are safe, let them know their surroundings, where they could go if they needed anything, and who they could go to if they needed help.

3.  Teach - Teach them how their body feels when they are worried (sweating, fast heart beat, can't focus clearly, etc) and let them know this is from the worry.  Therefore, this is why it is important to role with step four which is learning calming tools.

4.  Show - Be their greatest example.  If you tend to get worried to, be sure to show them what you are doing to calm your mind and body during that time.  You can also show them what you do to keep worry at bay when you know you have something coming up that makes you worried, like a work meeting, speech, race, etc.  These coping tools can be breathing exercises or short breaks to stop and deep breathe, yoga, meditation, walking, journaling, etc.  You may use an aromatherapy nasal inhaler when you deep breathe to help assist relaxation more quickly or on a deeper level.  You may make a cup of your favorite herbal tea or take a lavender salt bath.  You can also talk it through out loud so they can hear how you talk things through.

5.  Stay in Routine - Anytime there is a situation of stress or worry, it always best to stay, even more on routine with your daily and sleep schedules, than ever.  Be sure the kids are getting enough sleep and stick with a sleep schedule.  Likewise, be sure they are getting outside to connect with nature, stay grounded, and burn off excess energy.

Don't forget the power of hugs! xoxo Jamie

P.S. If you want to create a solid routine or plan to help your child ease worry, click here to Book a Call today and let's spend an hour together (via zoom video) to create a step by step plan to help ease your child's worry and get them on a more balanced path asap!

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