How Can I Help My Anxious Child or Adolescent?

Watching your child struggle with anxiety can be incredibly difficult.

Parents often want to immediately make the anxiety disappear.

But sometimes the most helpful first step is not fixing the problem.

It is listening.

Start by Validating Their Feelings

Try:

"That sounds really hard."

"I can understand why that made you nervous."

"I'm glad you told me."

Avoid immediately saying:

"There's nothing to worry about."

Even when you mean well, that response can make a child feel as though their feelings are wrong.

Help Them Identify What They Can Control

Ask: "What part of this situation can we do something about?"

Then focus on that part.

Encourage Coping Skills

Depending on the child, helpful strategies may include:

• Slow breathing.

• Movement.

• Journaling.

• Talking to a trusted adult.

• Taking a short break.

• Breaking a large task into smaller steps.

• Establishing predictable routines.

• Practicing difficult situations ahead of time.

When to Seek Additional Support

If anxiety is significantly interfering with school, relationships, sleep, activities, or everyday functioning, it may be time to talk with a qualified mental health professional.

Your child does not have to figure it out alone.