5 Activities to Calm Your Anxious Child
Children are naturally anxious about the world around them, but they can be helped.
Anxiety in children has been shown to worsen with their short stature and lack of control over what's happening in an environment that may be anxiety-provoking, even for adults.
Your child may worry excessively if he or she suffers from anxiety. Your child can have panic attacks or refuse to engage in social activities.
It is a good idea to come up with some calming activities for your kid. Because each child is unique, select activities which are appropriate for them. Here are some suggested activities that you can do with your child:
1. Have your child draw a picture of his anxious feelings.
Many children express themselves through drawings. These can help them to put words on the images they see in their mind. It may be helpful for older kids who can write, but younger ones usually prefer drawing. Discuss what is happening with the picture and how to make it better.
2. Use breathing exercises when your child is feeling anxious.
Children as young as seven can be taught how to do breathing exercises. Breathing deeply from the diaphragm helps the body relax and sends a signal to your mind that all is well, so it's an ideal way of preventing anxiety attacks before they begin. It takes practice, but you'll see a difference eventually.
3. Write down what happened the day before and make a diary.
Many children will be reassured by writing down what happened in their lives, particularly if it was something positive. This helps them to feel safe and secure when the world around them seems chaotic, so it's good for anxious children to do this regularly. Even better, show your child how to keep this journal so that they can use it whenever they want.
4. Let your child read their favorite book or watch a movie.
If anxiety makes your child want to be alone, reading together is a good way of being together while still allowing them space if they need it. Similarly, watching his favorite film can be the perfect opportunity for you both to bond over something safe and familiar.
5. Talk it out with your child using words and ideas that make sense to them.
Above everything else, your child wants somebody who will listen when they're feeling anxious or upset. Talking to them about the things that frighten them is a good way of relieving stress and giving yourself a chance to identify triggers if necessary.
Although it can be challenging to find a way to calm your child, the benefits of doing so will outweigh any difficulties.
As you participate together in these activities, you will also have the opportunity to bond with your child.
Likewise, you can learn more about their preferences and interests as well as what they need from the world around them in order to be happy and healthy.
If you'd like to learn more, I have a book entirely dedicated to raising an anxious child.