Anxiety and Your Child

You may not think that anxiety is an issue that children face, but it is and it is very real. Children with anxiety issues is probably more common now days than ever. Just the TAKS test alone can create major anxiety. You also have bullying, problems at home and peer pressure. How can you know if your child is suffering from anxiety? Here are some warning signs.

Frequent headaches and stomach aches could be a sign that your child is feeling anxious. Of course there are normal headaches and stomach aches but you know your child and should be able to tell if it is something else. If it more frequent then it is probably not normal and could be a sign of anxiety.

Do they bite their nails or pull their hair? Nervous gestures could mean they are worried or upset and feeling anxious. Children can manifest their anxiety in different ways than adults do. Be on the look out for any changes in your child's behavior. Source: http://anxietysymptomschildren.com

What can you do if your child has anxiety? There are plenty of ways you can help your child overcome their anxiety, fear and worry.

Talking. Having open communication with your child and letting them know you are here for them and that you will listen can lessen their feelings of anxiety. Getting them to talk about their feelings will be greatly beneficial.

Do things with them. Playing a game or going for a walk can take their mind off of their trouble. Doing something can lift them up and make them feel better.

Exercise! I have heard this for as long as I can remember about how exercising will help your mind as well as your body. When you exercise you feel better and tend to have a better outlook on things. Just get your child active doing something fun like jumping rope or running around outside. Now days too many children spend their day inside staring at a tv or computer screen.

Make sure your child is eating the right healthy foods. I really believe nutrition plays a big role in our children's health and well being. Give your child lots of fruits and veggies! There are so many fast and convenient food choices out there, but unfortunately they are probably the wrong choice. Easy is not always better.

Sleep is very important for children. Most children need about 8-10 hours of sleep at night. The older they get the less they need. Source: webmd.com. Be sure your child is getting adequate sleep.

The next tip I think is really, really important. Do not over schedule your child! I don't know how many kids I have seen being taken from ball practice, then karate, or every night of the week they are involved in something. Kids need down time. You don't have to sign your child up for every sport and activity known to man. I think it is important that the child has some say in what activity they want to participate in. I am not totally against parents saying their child WILL do something, but only in the context of a trial period. If after so many weeks the child is still not enjoying it or thriving then perhaps it is time to take a step back and rethink it.

Help your child live by example. How you handle stress and anxiety greatly predicts how your child will handle it. I really believe parents do not put as much weight as they should in how much their actions really will be mirrored in their children. If all a child sees and hear is anger and screaming it is pretty fit to say that is all they will know how to do when they grow up. Parents, don't under estimate the power of influence you have on your child.