Guest post by Leslie Campos at Wellparents.com
Parents may be concerned about their child’s ability to cope with daily stressors, peer pressure, and the world around them. According to a poll from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 46% of parents report that their teens have worsening mental health since the beginning of the pandemic. Adolescent anxiety continues to be a problem for millions of teens across the world. Here are actions parents can take to help their kids manage anxiety.
Signs Your Child May Struggle With Anxiety
Anxiety in kids may look different than in adults. Some teens don’t always show obvious signs of struggling with anxiety. Teens with anxiety may struggle with sleeping or paying attention in class. They may also complain about stomach-aches or headaches. Excessive worries, fears, irritability, and withdrawal from activities are also signs of anxiety.
Teach Healthy Management Strategies
If parents notice these signs in their teens, they can help by teaching them healthy coping mechanisms to combat the feelings of anxiety. Some practitioners use strategies to fight negative mindsets, and parents could teach these thought patterns to their kids. Additionally, different breathing exercises and techniques, as well as stretching, can be beneficial.
Be a Positive Influence
Parents must also be a good example of handling their own anxiety and stress. Instead of staying in a demanding job, parents may want to land a better position or start a new career that is less stressful. Parents can show their kids how to focus on the excitement of something new instead of the fear of change.
Boost Your Child’s Confidence
Another way you can help your child manage their mental health is by boosting their confidence. Give specific praise for outcomes and your child’s effort. Point out your child’s strengths and offer unconditional love.
Connect With the Outdoors
Take plenty of breaks to get outside. Spending time in nature helps lower stress, boosts mood, and encourages healthy stress release. Find local parks or explore National Parks and trails.
Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise is another tool that parents can use to help an anxious child. Sign your child up for sports or participate in activities together. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity to improve your child’s coping strategies.
Manage Screen Time
The amount of screen time your teen gets each day may also have an impact on their anxiety. Set up healthy limits with your child’s devices, including cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Too much screen time can make anxiety and depression worse.
Model Positive Self-Talk
Children also need to learn how to improve their own inner monologue so it’s more positive. Practice positive self-talk using yourself as an example to help your child learn how to manage negative ideas within themselves.
Partner With a Professional for Help
The best resource for helping a teen with anxiety is a professional counselor or psychologist who can give your child even more effective tools. Parents can work with their child’s pediatrician to get a referral for a mental health pro and schedule regular therapy sessions so their teen can work through their anxiety with more success.
It’s hard watching your child suffer from anxiety or other mental health problems. Parents can be proactive with different strategies that can help their teens get through a difficult time. Learning effective coping strategies can give your child a way to manage anxiety throughout their life and secure a positive future.
This post was written by Leslie Campos. A busy mom herself, Leslie has dedicated her site Wellparents.com to all the moms and dads searching for ideas on being physically and emotionally well. When not working or running her children to various after-school activities, Leslie loves to practice yoga, CrossFit, and watching The Great British Baking Show.
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