Every kid experiences anxiety so parents need to be on alert and ready to help their kids navigate it successfully.
Talking Points:
- There are many signs of anxiety. Here are a few: can’t concentrate, bad dreams, easily angry or irritable, negative or fearful thoughts, tense and fidgety.
- Anxiety can come from many sources. Your kids might have a fear of failure, social isolation, stranger danger or suffered a trauma.
- You can help your kids manage their anxiety by:
- Assuring them that anxiety is a normal thing.
- Help them face their fears.
- Give practical strategies for what to do when they’re anxious
- Seek professional help if it interferes with their quality of life.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How anxious were you as a kid?
- What signs of anxiety have you noticed in your kids? How have you responded to those signs in the past?
- What are the situations that seem to invoke fear in your kids? Do you know if they have experienced trauma that could be making things worse?
- What are some helpful strategies your kids can implement when faced with things that bring them angst? Be specific to each situation.
- What are some good indicators to know if it’s time to seek a professional?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
