Childhood anxiety. I am no expert. I remember having sleepover anxiety, but that is about it. Now having to deal with an anxious child, I’m feeling lost. When your child has anxiety, it’s not just hard on the child, it’s hard on the parents too. My youngest gets very anxious and sometimes he doesn’t even know why. He just gets that feeling in his tummy and the silent waterworks slowly start. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch. As a parent you want to protect them, but there are some things you really don’t have control over. I can’t just say, “stop worrying” “relax” “get over it.” He’s creating the anxiety on himself. The best thing I can do is try to help him learn to manage it. It’s just so frustrating when they can’t identify for themselves what is wrong. What is the trigger?
Going back to school after break this year was very difficult. He had anxiety more than when he started school in September and I just couldn’t understand it. He pretended to vomit in the bathroom so he could get sent home (and when you get sent home for vomiting, you are home for two days). As a parent, my first thought was bullying, but no, that wasn’t it. I kept feeding him positive thoughts about seeing his friends and starting up band again. He has a schedule change this half of the year, so I’m figuring that is what was making him anxious.
My tips for helping ease his anxiety: I recommend deep breaths and talking things out, trying to find the root of it. He sometimes requests a hot shower and a cup of tea (my little old man). We often just take a few deep breaths and do some yoga stretches in hopes of relieving some tension. Honestly, I will try anything.
He went to see one of his teachers and she had him blow bubbles in the classroom. “Blowing out the anxiety.” It actually worked! I thought it was such a fun idea. He went off to school the next day without shedding a tear or complaining that his stomach felt funny.
Do you have a child that gets anxiety? How do you deal with these situations? Any recommendations would be appreciated.
We have a child with anxiety. I would recommend reading the book The Highly Sensitive Child if that helps you out. I am also a proponent of mindfulness ideas as well as making sure the kid gets big hugs for reassurance. Getting enough sleep is also key in our house. Best of luck as you navigate this. It’s really tough to watch your kid go through it.
Thanks Nat. Sleep is imperative! Otherwise we’re doomed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be quite effective.
We are having some of this as well…it’s so hard but I really like what you said about not telling them to just relax but helping them find ways to manage it. It’s a tough one. XOXO