Anxiety in Children: What Can Parents Do?
August 3, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world may seem scarier for your little ones.
Anxiety and stress can manifest in our children in a variety of ways. It may present as fear, worry, or even anger. Children oftentimes don’t fully understand these emotions and can’t regulate their anxious feelings well.
Understanding anxiety
According to the cdc.gov Children’s Mental Health web page, “Strong fears may appear at different times during development. For example, toddlers are often very distressed about being away from their parents.” Although worries are common experiences in childhood, if fears are not recognized and acknowledged they can become a bigger issue.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html
What to look out for
Over time, this can be a bad habit that can result in finding it hard to cope with everyday stresses such as school or social settings.
Signs you may notice:
- Clinginess
- Asking for help on things they have already learned
- Worrying about doing things right
- Crying over small things
- Seeing things as negative or dangerous
- Get upset easily
- Dislike new things
- Avoid situations
- Experience physical symptoms such as sleeplessness and stomachaches
What you can do
